Arab League head meets President, George Vella

The Arab League's secretary general, Amre Moussa and President Guido de Marco yesterday discussed the delicate situation in the Middle East and issues related to the Mediterranean region.

In a meeting which lasted an hour, they also spoke about relations between the Arab League and Malta.

Prof. de Marco said he felt reassured that Mr Moussa was the man leading an organisation of the calibre of the Arab League.

Describing Prof. de Marco as a friend of many years, Mr Moussa recalled how the two had worked together on many occasions when both were foreign ministers of their respective countries.

Prof. de Marco said both of them were very much aware that the Mediterranean had to be one of the top international priorities.

He said that not putting the Mediterranean high on the agenda was something for which many would suffer.

"We believe the Mediterranean is closely linked to events in Europe and beyond. Only a studied approach to the problems of the Mediterranean can lead to solving many major issues which are at the moment facing the international arena."

Labour Party deputy leader George Vella, who met Mr Moussa earlier in the day, said he believed that the Arab League, headed by its secretary general, would soon play a more significant role in developments in the Mediterranean.

Dr Vella told Mr Moussa during the meeting that the serious problems in the Mediterranean were not easy to resolve, but he augured that things could progress with courage and perseverance.

Dr Vella said that through Mr Moussa, the Arab League was sending a message that Arab countries wanted peace for everybody's sake.

Mr Moussa said there was a need for determination and energy so that problems in the Mediterranean would be tackled seriously.

Dr Vella said that his party's policy had always promoted peace in the Mediterranean and it wanted to retain a balance in the country's relations with its northern and southern neighbours.

He was particularly struck by Mr Moussa's comment in parliament on Tuesday that he was in Malta as part of his mission for peace.

Mr Moussa should find full support for his mission in Malta, said Dr Vella.

Although there were differences on relations with the European Union, there was agreement on Malta's Mediterranean policy and its participation in the Euro-Mediterranean process was proof of this.

Mr Moussa left Malta yesterday evening.