国际英语新闻：Austrian FM urges resumption of Palestinian-Israeli talks

RAMALLAH, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger Tuesday called on Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to resume peace talks and follow all political ways to settle the Middle East conflict.

Spindelegger, who visited the West Bank city of Ramallah Tuesday, said his country, in line with the EU policy, supports the Palestinian people's rights to have an independent statehood alongside Israel.

Speaking at a press conference with his Palestinian counterpart Riyadh al-Maliki in Ramallah, Spindelegger said his visit to the region aims to bridge the gaps between Israel and the PNA.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (R) meets with Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Feb. 16, 2010

Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled since December 2008 when Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Extensive efforts have been made to resume the talks.

For his part, al-Maliki said the PNA will go to the UN Security Council to grab an international recognition of a future Palestinian statehood.

He added that the PNA was still waiting responses from the U.S. administration on proposals to restart the peace talks.