Arab leaders back peace initiative
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah chats with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas
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Wednesday, 28, Mar 2007 07:12
Arab leaders have urged Israel to accept a peace offer which could see the establishment of permanent amity in the region after decades of conflict.
Meeting today at an international summit in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, members of the Arab League said they stood by the peace offer originally made in 2002.
The deal still on the table would require Israel to withdraw from the territories occupied during the 1967 conflict and permit the return of Palestinian refugees.
Israel rejected the offer out of hand five years ago but current leaders have indicated they may be willing to consider them once more.
Concern over the return of Palestinian refugees has been identified as a potentially deal-breaking issue, however.
Despite doubt remaining about the likelihood of any deal actually being reached, representatives of Western nations have done their utmost to promote peace in the region. Both UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana addressed the conference.
Describing the Arab peace initiative as "one of the key pillars of the peace process, Mr Ban said: "When I was in Israel, I urged my Israeli friends to take a fresh look at the Arab peace initiative. Here in Riyadh, I urge you, my Arab friends, to use this summit to reaffirm your commitment to the initiative."