This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6914893.stm
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Arab League set for Israel talks | Arab League set for Israel talks |
(20 minutes later) | |
For the first time, a delegation from the Arab League is visiting Israel to try to push forward a plan for peace in the Middle East. | For the first time, a delegation from the Arab League is visiting Israel to try to push forward a plan for peace in the Middle East. |
Foreign ministers from Egypt and Jordan, the only Arab countries that recognise Israel, will meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. | Foreign ministers from Egypt and Jordan, the only Arab countries that recognise Israel, will meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. |
King Abdullah of Jordan meanwhile is in Washington, where he had a private dinner with President George W Bush. | King Abdullah of Jordan meanwhile is in Washington, where he had a private dinner with President George W Bush. |
And the new Middle East envoy Tony Blair continues his tour of the region. | And the new Middle East envoy Tony Blair continues his tour of the region. |
He is due to visit Bahrain and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. | He is due to visit Bahrain and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. |
After going to the West Bank on Tuesday he said there was a "sense of possibility" in the region. | After going to the West Bank on Tuesday he said there was a "sense of possibility" in the region. |
Peace plan | Peace plan |
The Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers will be pushing Israel to consider the Arab peace initiative, which offers Israel normal ties with all Arab states in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories, the creation of a Palestinian state and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem. | The Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers will be pushing Israel to consider the Arab peace initiative, which offers Israel normal ties with all Arab states in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories, the creation of a Palestinian state and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem. |
King Abdullah went for dinner at the White House | King Abdullah went for dinner at the White House |
Israel responded very coolly to the Arab initiative when it was first put forward in 2002. | Israel responded very coolly to the Arab initiative when it was first put forward in 2002. |
But recently, it has expressed a willingness to discuss it. | But recently, it has expressed a willingness to discuss it. |
Some observers see the Arab League visit as part of growing diplomatic activity aimed at reviving the moribund Middle East peace process, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Jerusalem. | Some observers see the Arab League visit as part of growing diplomatic activity aimed at reviving the moribund Middle East peace process, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Jerusalem. |
It suggests, they say, that peace is still possible if moderate forces work together. | It suggests, they say, that peace is still possible if moderate forces work together. |
But elsewhere, our correspondent says, there is deep pessimism about whether these steps are really leading anywhere, as well as concern about the massive internal divisions among the Palestinians. | |
In Washington, King Abdullah urged President Bush to step up US efforts on the Middle East peace process, said a statement from Jordan's embassy. | |
"The King said that a just and comprehensive peace... should emanate from a solution that addresses all outstanding issues between the Palestinians and Israel, including final status issues" of borders and refugees, the statement said. | |
Mr Bush "remains committed to two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security," said Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the US National Security Council. |