Frank-Walter Steinmeier's trip to the Middle East is clearly the most difficult mission since he became foreign minister in Germany's new grand coalition government. Following tradition, he starts political talks today with political leaders in Israel before he moves on to the Palestinian territories and later to Turkey

"It's a difficult trip to a difficult region," Steinmeier said.

There are several delicate issues that the foreign minister will have to maneuver, including the election results in the Palestinian territories, where the militant group Hamas won a majority. The West is still struggling with working out how to respond. Elections in Israel are approaching, although they have been overshadowed by the critical health condition of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

"I hope that I'll be able gain insight into what can be done to promote the peace process in the region," he said.

Steinmeier will talk with Israeli Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, as well as his Israeli counterpart Tzipi Livni with whom he is expected to hold a joint press conference.

The top German diplomat is to hold talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday in Ramallah before departing for Jordan and Turkey but he has not scheduled any session with the Islamist movement despite its landslide victory in a January 25 general election.