Sweden backs France initiative for peace in the Middle East

 Foreign Minister of Sweden Margot Wallstrom said Friday her country backs France peace initiative that aims at holding an international conference for peace in the Middle East.

Wallstrom told a news briefing after meeting with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Reyad al-Malki that holding a peace conference "would have positive reflections on all parties, mainly Israel and the Palestinians."

"The conference will debate ensuring an international umbrella to resume the talks between the two sides to end the conflict and achieve peace and security for all parties in order to make progress for the rest of the world," she said.

On Thursday, Wallstrom met with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and stressed on her country's role of backing peace in the Middle East based on the principle of two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"My country supports the international efforts which are aiming at easing tension and building up bridges of confidence and peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians," said Wallstrom.

She vowed that her country will do all its best to reach this goal, adding "we will keep working on empowering our ties with Palestine in a way that serves the two friendly countries."

source: Xinhua