The Hindu : U.S. working on Saudi peace plan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 03, 2002

International

International

U.S. working on Saudi peace plan

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington MARCH 2.The United States and Saudi Arabia appear to be working on the peace plan outlined by the Saudi Prince Abdullah in a quiet manner.

The Assistant Secretary of State for Near-Eastern Affairs and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency have met the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Abdullah in the port city of Jeddah, but few details are being divulged by the two sides. "They had a good discussion of the ideas and the situation and how we go forward'', the State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, said. Officials in Saudi Arabia made no mention of the discussions.

The proposals of the Crown Prince which were floated two weeks ago has merited serious attention in the United States with the Republican administration evincing interest in reviving the West Asia peace process. But for the record, senior officials of the administration are making the point that Washington cannot impose a solution; rather Israelis and Palestinians would have to hammer out a final settlement. Washington in the last several months has been pressuring the Palestinian leader,Yasser Arafat, to come to grips with the violence; and Arab nations have been appalled that the U.S. seems unwilling to pressure Israel similarly. But against a backdrop of escalating violence in the recent past, the U.S. is cautioning Israel on its response, especially on the civilian front. "We are in touch with the Israeli Government to urge the utmost restraint be exercised in order to avoid harm to the civilian population'', Mr. Boucher said, even while placing the responsibility on Mr. Arafat for the attacks on Israeli targets.

In the context of the Saudi proposal and the response of the U.S., what has to be kept in mind is that the idea of a full Israeli withdrawal to its pre-1967 borders in return for Arab diplomatic and cultural recognition is not new. What is different this time is that a country such as Saudi Arabia which is normally very quiet in its diplomatic dealings is publicly talking about its plan. There are those in the administration and outside who argue that the Saudi proposal as it stands will place the Israeli Government of Ariel Sharon in a tighter spot.

Major elements in the ruling coalition in Israel are flatly opposed to the idea of withdrawal of forces from the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem. Politically, Mr. Sharon is being pressured by both the Right and the Left and his popularity rating is at the lowest point since February 2001.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

Stories in this Section

Israel pulls out from one refugee camp

U.S. working on Saudi peace plan

CHOGM adopts action plan to combat terrorism

Pak. Editor quits due to Govt. `pressure'

A prince with the gift of the gaffe

U.S. sends MoU on terrorism to Pak.

CPJ concern over Pak. editor's exit

Osama, Omar alive: Afghan Minister

Alert as Downing Street receives `toxic' mail

`A united Europe within reach'

Pak. protests detention of mission staffers