Davutoglu urges intl community to do more to revive mideast peace process

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu yesterday called on the international community to work harder to revive the Middle East peace process. Davutoglu made the remarks after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who was in Ankara for official talks that focused on the Palestinian issue as well as regional issues and improving bilateral ties. Davutoglu also had a separate meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Ali Aboul Gheit, and Egyptian Intelligence Service head Omar Suleiman. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Davutoglu said they had discussed bilateral relations and regional issues ranging from talks between Israel and Palestine to developments in Iraq, Syria, and Iran. Davutoglu said Turkey and Egypt share a vision on the Palestine issue, as both support a solution resulting in an independent Palestinian state on sold foundations, thus bringing peace to the region. "We believe that the past couple of months were wasted," he said. "Unfortunately, major opportunities were missed both in the world and in our region. Greater steps could have been taken in the Middle East." He said Turkey continues to work to revive the Middle East process and build an atmosphere of peace in the region, calling on all parties to do the same. He said not only Palestine and Israel but the whole international community should show a stronger will to revive the Middle East process. Davutoglu added that both Turkey and Egypt want the situation in Iraq to improve and elections to be held there in peace and calm. He said both countries also want to cooperate more in regional matters and continue bilateral consultations. During his visit, Mubarak also met with Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan and Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug. Mubarak and Babacan discussed ways to boost bilateral trade ties and economic cooperation.