Representatives of a new multilateral group, the trilateral IBSA, consisting of Índia, Brazil and South África, are holding their first international forum and summit, which includes an unprecedented formal meeting with the Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister, Riad Al-Malki. All this is taking place today in Brasilia.
According to Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Celso Amorim, the IBSA countries have discussed the problems of the Middle East and “… are searching for ways to assist in the peace process in that area.” Amorim pointed out that it is a fact that the peace process has just about come to a standstill, among other reasons, because of the construction of new housing in Jerusalem by Israel.
“The peace talks have been interrupted. There has not been a positive evolution,” declared Amorim. “IBSA is in favor of a Palestinian state that is viable… and the reestablishment of the 1967 borders. We believe we can contribute to the peace process with new ideas and have a positive influence.”