Istanbul, (SANA)-The European Union Minister Jean Asselborn asserted on Tuesday Syria's central role in the Middle East peace process, urging the EU to bolster ties with Syria and deal with it on the basis of its pivotal role in the region.

In his speech at the Alliance of Civilizations' Form held in Istanbul on the costs of the conflict in the Middle East, Asselborn sent a strongly-worded message to the new Israeli officials, calling on them to work for reaching peace.

He also demanded that they recognize the Palestinians' willingness to attain freedom and their right to self-determination.

He also affirmed that the Israeli continued siege has turned Gaza Strip into an open-air prison on a small piece of land, adding that the Palestinians in Gaza have lost hope in the future and that they are unable to carry on living under such adverse humanitarian conditions.

For his part, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa has asserted the importance of putting a stop to the expansion of Israeli settlements on the occupied Arab territories as a prerequisite for achieving peace in the region.

In turn, Spain Foreign Minister and the former European Middle East envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos urged for pushing the Israeli officials to work for achieving peace, expressing willingness to act as an intermediary in the negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians after gauging the intentions of the new Israeli government.

Manal Ismael/Mazen