InTheNews.co.uk
Breaking News:
Your source for news

World News Story

 30 August 2008 17:57 BST

US to host Middle East talks

Wednesday, 21 Nov 2007 07:36
US president George Bush will host the conference that will be held in Annapolis next week
US president George Bush is set to host talks to revive the peace process between Israel and Palestine next week.

The conference in Annapolis - scheduled to be held on November 27th - will involve the heads of state of the rival regions as well as leaders from over 40 other nations.

Commenting ahead of the meeting, America's assistant secretary of state David Welch said: "We feel this is a really important moment. There is a common understanding that this is the moment in which they can change the picture and get serious negotiations started."

Mr Bush has extended invitations to the event to Arab states such as Saudi Arabia and Syria, which do not recognise the Jewish state – a move designed to ensure there is regional backing for the peace process.

Mr Welch added he was hopeful a large number of counties would accept the request to participate in the conference.

"We are hopeful, and expectant, that Arab countries will participate because ... this is a serious effort. We feel we have a critical mass now to move forward," he explained.

Efforts to create a Palestinian state have stalled ever since the last major talks held by previous US president Bill Clinton in 2001.

The key issues between the two sides are the territory on which to establish the new state of Palestine - which will be carved out of what is presently Israel - the return of refugees displaced in previous wars and issues regarding Israel's security against terrorist attacks.

Another key issue is that of Jerusalem, with both sides claiming the city must be a part of their respective territories.

Yesterday Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert held talks with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, a regional ally of the US, in which both leaders emphasised their commitment to reaching a solution to the longstanding issue.
End of story


More world news... 

Also In The News 

© 2004- 2008 www.inthenews.co.uk. Advertise | Privacy | Terms of Use