Germany: Mideast talks resumption an "important signal"

Aug 20, 2010, 18:51 GMT

Berlin - Germany welcomed Friday's announcement that direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians would resume in Washington next month, calling it an important signal for the Mideast peace process.

Germany and its partners in the Mideast Quartet had worked tirelessly to see that indirect talks between the two sides turn into direct talks, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said.

'This is an important signal for the peace process, which rekindles hopes for rapid progress leading to a two-state solution,' Westerwelle said in a statement.

The foreign minister appealed to both sides to 'seize the opportunity and create an environment for negotiations that leads to a build-up of trust.'

'It is now up to the parties concerned to use courage and foresight to seek solutions to the core issues at stake,' he added.

The United States and the European Union announced earlier Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will launch the talks on September 2, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive peace deal in one year.