ATHENS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Middle East problem was the dominant issue during the second day of the 23rd Socialist International Congress underway in Lagonnisi, Athens on Tuesday.

    Both Arabs and Israelis shared the concern that a likely failure to reach a solution will lead to a new outbreak of violence with catastrophic results for the region.

    Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas characterized the political process launched in Annapolis as an opportunity, underlining that Israel must prove that it wants peace by taking certain steps, such as putting an end to settlements, opening the 670 checkpoints of "the wall that destroys the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians" and launch the process for the release of 11,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

    He also stated that the Palestinian Authority will do its best to have the political process continued and "make an effort to end the military coup that has isolated the Gaza Strip."

    The need for successful political process was underlined by Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party Leader Ehud Barak, who added that peace negotiations should continue while an effort should be made to improve the Palestinians' quality of life.

    Barak blamed Hamas for the "explosive situation," stressing that this policy fuels suspicion and fear among the Israelis.

    Referring to Iran, he stated that the international community should exercise diplomatic and economic pressure on the country, stressing that "it should not become a nuclear power."

    Iraqi President Jalal Talabani condemned "indiscriminate violence that further deteriorates things" adding that "Iraq has won considerable battles against domestic or imported terrorism."

    He suggested the establishment of a Socialist International special committee on the Middle East to prepare a comprehensive program on the region and see to its implementation through mediations and negotiations.

    Socialist International 23rd Congress opened here on Monday with the participation of 650 representatives from 100 countries and 140 political parties. Among issues to be discussed during the Congress are: global warming, food crisis and clashes in several parts of the planet.

    Socialist International president, Greek main Opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou was re-elected President of the Socialist International at the meeting.