Palestinians seek 'mediation with muscle'

Afif Safieh, in remarks delivered 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.

Safieh said that the current stalemate provides 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," Safieh 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 it fulfils commitments, he said.

Unmanageable situation

Israel is demanding that the Palestinian Authority disarm all armed factions before reopening talks for a permanent solution to the long-running Middle East conflict.

Safieh, however, accused Israel of being disingenuous in its calls for calm in the Palestinian territory.

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