Foreign Minister, EU official hold joint press conference 5

Then Prince Saud al-Faisal and Dr. Solana responded to reporters'
questions.
In response to a question about Saudi attempt to mediate between the
Afghan government and Taliban, Prince Saud pointed out that the
Kingdom's attempt came upon a formal request from Afghan President
Hamed Karzai who announced that he would like that the Kingdom
conducts this mediation aiming at restoration of the construction of
his country.
Prince Saud added that the Kingdom has only the attempt and said," We
have only the attempt. We can not refuse to do so, as we are
interested in peace and security in Afghanistan. It's up to the
Afghans themselves. If we felt a desire from Afghans to solve the
problems, renounce violence, leave arms and engage in political work
according to constitutional institutions, which is hoped, there will
be attempts. But if we have not seen a positive response, it will be
difficult to find a way to intervene in the matter."
Commenting on the developments of the peace initiative and what was
said by former Israeli prime minister that it is better to start the
peace process late rather than not coming, Prince Saud said, "We hope
that the new Prime Minister works in this direction which leads to
peace."
In reply to a question about Turkey's efforts in the area, Prince
Saud noted that Turkey is an important country in the region and
said, "At the same time there is a great confidence in Turkey from
the Arab world. If there is a mediation between Syria and Israel, I
believe that Turkey's presence in the mediation is encouraged and
that will leave no doubts to us."
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