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Arab League begins Israel visit Israel hears Arab peace proposal
(about 1 hour later)
The first delegation from the Arab League has begun a visit to Israel, to promote its Middle East peace plan. The foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan are in Israel to present the Arab League's Middle East peace plan.
Foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan, the only Arab countries that recognise Israel, are meeting PM Ehud Olmert. The two ministers are meeting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other Israeli officials.
The team is trying to push forward an Arab peace plan Israel has in the past treated coolly but which correspondents say it may now be willing to discuss. They are trying to push forward an Arab peace plan that Israel has in the past treated coolly but which correspondents say it may now be willing to discuss.
New Middle East envoy Tony Blair said after visiting the West Bank he saw a "moment of opportunity" for peace.New Middle East envoy Tony Blair said after visiting the West Bank he saw a "moment of opportunity" for peace.
'Common ground''Common ground'
Egypt's Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Jordan's Abdel Ilah al-Khatib are presenting a long-standing Arab League initiative that was readopted at a meeting in Saudi Arabia recently.Egypt's Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Jordan's Abdel Ilah al-Khatib are presenting a long-standing Arab League initiative that was readopted at a meeting in Saudi Arabia recently.
We are extending a hand of peace on behalf of the whole region to you Abdel Ilah al-KhatibWe are extending a hand of peace on behalf of the whole region to you Abdel Ilah al-Khatib
The initiative offers Israel normal ties with all Arab states in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, the creation of a Palestinian state and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem. The initiative offers Israel normal ties with all Arab states in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, the creation of a Palestinian state and a olution to the Palestinian refugee problem.
Israel dismissed the proposal on its launch in 2002, but has recently suggested it could be the basis for negotiations.Israel dismissed the proposal on its launch in 2002, but has recently suggested it could be the basis for negotiations.
Mr Gheit said: "We hope that upon our return, we would also convey to the Arab League the responses of Israel and I hope that the responses will be positive." Mr Gheit said: "We hope that upon our return, we would also convey to the Arab League the responses of Israel, and I hope that the responses will be positive."
Mr Khatib said: "We are extending a hand of peace on behalf of the whole region to you."Mr Khatib said: "We are extending a hand of peace on behalf of the whole region to you."
Israeli PM Ehud Olmert is hosting the talks in Jerusalem
Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Mark Regev welcomed the "historic" visit, saying: "We are willing to engage on the basis of their initiative and hopefully find common ground."Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Mark Regev welcomed the "historic" visit, saying: "We are willing to engage on the basis of their initiative and hopefully find common ground."
Israeli PM Ehud Olmert hosts the talks in Jerusalem But Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa denied the ministers were representing the organisation.
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. "They are not acting under the banner of the Arab League. They are not going on behalf of the Arab League nor have they been sent as delegates by the Arab League.
It suggests, they say, that peace is still possible if moderate forces work together. "They represent two Arab countries that for certain circumstances entered into peace accords and official diplomatic relations," he said.
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. Some observers see the visit as part of growing diplomatic activity aimed at reviving the moribund Middle East peace process, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Jerusalem.
On Wednesday, the Haaretz newspaper said Israel was considering an "an agreement of principles" with Palestinians that could establish a Palestinian state on 90% of occupied territory. 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 divisions among the Palestinians.
On Wednesday, the Israeli Haaretz newspaper said Israel was considering an "an agreement of principles" with Palestinians that could establish a Palestinian state on 90% of occupied territory.
The paper said Israel would propose a tunnel linking the West Bank and Gaza, while there would also be a territory exchange allowing Israel to keep its main Jewish settlements.The paper said Israel would propose a tunnel linking the West Bank and Gaza, while there would also be a territory exchange allowing Israel to keep its main Jewish settlements.
Blair tripBlair trip
In the US, King Abdullah of Jordan met President George W Bush at a private dinner in Washington.In the US, King Abdullah of Jordan met President George W Bush at a private dinner in Washington.
The king urged Mr Bush to step up US efforts on Middle East peace.The king urged Mr Bush to step up US efforts on Middle East peace.
A US administration official said Mr Bush remained "committed to two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security".A US administration official said Mr Bush remained "committed to two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security".
Meanwhile, Mr Blair, the former UK prime minister, is continuing his tour of the region.Meanwhile, Mr Blair, the former UK prime minister, is continuing 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.
He said in the West Bank: "I think there is a sense of possibility at the moment. I think this is a moment of opportunity."He said in the West Bank: "I think there is a sense of possibility at the moment. I think this is a moment of opportunity."