By IPS Correspondents
RAMALLAH, Apr 9 2003 (IPS)

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer held talks Wednesday with Palestinian President Yassir Arafat on the troubled Middle East peace process at Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah.

Following his meeting with Arafat, Fischer was also set to hold talks with newly-named Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.

Fischer’s meeting comes amid a power struggle for the Palestinian government leadership. Arafat has delayed the completion of the new Palestinian government, led by Abbas.

But the United States, European Union and Russia want to wait until the new cabinet is appointed before making public their latest peace plan. Fischer reported some progress after talks Tuesday on a new Palestinian administration.

The Israeli government, which refuses to meet with Arafat, expressed its displeasure earlier this week at Fischer’s decision to meet with the Palestinian president.

However, Israel hopes that Fischer, who is an acceptable representative with both sides, will be able to influence Arafat for future negotiations.

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