Fischer Pushes Middle East Peace Effort

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer has been holding talks with the Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an effort to kick-start their stalled peace negotiations and put a halt to the renewed outbreaks of violence. Talks between Fischer and the Israeli Prime Minister, Arial Sharon focused on the international peace plan for the Middle East, the controversial wall between Israel and the West Bank and relations with Iran. Earlier in the day, Fischer was in the West Bank town of Abu Dis for talks with the new Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie. Following their meeting, Fischer publicly urged the new leader to hold talks with the Israeli premiere in what he said would be 'an important step' towards peace.