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Barak Seeks Clinton's Help on Peace Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak Thursday morning made a sudden visit to Lisbon to seek help from U.S. President Bill Clinton, who is on a visit to Portugal.
After meeting Barak, Clinton said that Barak has "reaffirmed his commitment" to the Middle East peace process. Clinton spoke highly of Israel's decision to withdraw its troops from south Lebanon last week.
Clinton said he was sending Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the Middle East next week "to work on narrowing the gaps" between Israel and Palestine.
Clinton also said he will meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat soon in Washington.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres also met with Barak. Portugal now holds the rotating presidency of the EU.
During his meeting with Guterres, Barak asked the EU to support the Middle East peace process and help solve the issue of Palestinian refugees.
On the same day, Arafat reportedly held a phone conversation with Clinton and asked the United States to promote the Middle East peace process.
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