The Israelinsider posted a fascinating exchange of letters between Isi Leibler, the senior vice president of the World Jewish Congress, and Cristina Gallach, spokesperson for Javier Solana  (Read about it here).

Evidently, what sparked the exchange was an article by Leibler in the Jerusalem Post titled, Wake Up Europe. And, as the title suggests, the article was very critical of Europe's continuing support for the Palestinians and terrorist organizations like Hamas.

There are some interesting observations to be made from this exchange.

One: Javier Solana didn't reply personally to Leibler's accusations, he had his spokesperson respond. The way I see it, this could give him wiggle room should later he be forced to admit that some of Leibler's charges were right -- such as meeting with a Hamas official. He could say Gallach made a mistake.

Two: What the Israeli people think about him at this critical moment in the peace process is very important to Solana. As Gallach said, Solana's office seldom responds to such articles. But, this time was different.

Three: As far as Solana is concerned, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership he negotiated in 1995 between the EU and twelve Mediterranean nations -- including Israel -- is the cornerstone to the EU's Road Map peace plan. So, since Solana may consider himself to be the true architect of the Middle East peace process, he may think himself the most qualified to conclude it. 

Side note: Today, as president Bush is meeting with Sharon, Solana is meeting with Abbas. I wonder if something big is brewing?

Stay tuned!