Palestinians seek 'mediation with muscle' (peace process stalled)

[Wordie]

Palestinians seek 'mediation with muscle'
The peace process has stalled under the quartet leadership

The Palestinian envoy to the United States has called on other countries, especially within Europe, to step up their role in Middle East peace negotiations, which have stalled under the leadership of the "quartet" powers.

Afif Safia, in remarks at a private seminar held at the US Congress on Tuesday, said he hoped that the European Union or another third party "would step in decisively" to help end the impasse.

The United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations, known as the "quartet" powers, have led efforts to forge a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Safia said that the current stalemate provided a golden opportunity for the European Union to increase its role in the process.

"Europe was often disappointed that it was relegated to the status of payer and not player," Safia said at the event sponsored by the Council for the National Interest, an independent policy group focusing on the Middle East.

"We need international mediation, but some international mediation with some muscle." This might hold Israel accountable and ensure that it fulfils commitments, he said.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/02D6A837-7E27-4622-BE24-D2846BCD094E.htm

The article included as well this potentially quite positive statement:
Meanwhile, Ehud Olmert, the acting prime minister of Israel, said on Tuesday he hoped to open peace negotiations with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader, after the two sides hold their respective elections.