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The European Union in the Middle East Peace Process.
In Search of a Wider Role? [MONICA SALOMÓN] Since its inauguration in 1991, the EU has been involved in the Arab- Israeli peace process, becoming its main economic sponsor. However, its political influence on it is rather scarce. Curiously, in spite of its stated will to achieve a more influential role in the Middle East, the examination of EU's official statements and actions towards the area reveals that, at least until midd-1996, self-restriction prevailed. A more assertive stance was taken since the arrival of the Likud-led coalition to power in Israel and the subsequent stalmate of the peace process. The renewed insistence on its traditional position on the eventual solution of the conflict (silenced in the previous years), the appointment of an especial envoy to the area and the efforts to adopt a strategic approach have begun to bear fruit. However, EU's possibilities for exercising a positive influence on the peace process are far from being exhausted.
