Date:24/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/24/stories/2008102461882200.htm

International

Israel interested in Arab peace initiative

CAIRO: Israel’s President Shimon Peres endorsed on Thursday the “spirit” of a broad Arab initiative as an “opportunity” that can bring peace to West Asia and to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It was the first time Mr. Peres spoke in support of the long-stalled initiative in an Arab country, adding significance to his remarks. The U.S. ally, Egypt, is a regional heavyweight and was the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israeli in 1979.

Mr. Peres’ remarks also marked another step in his recent efforts to jumpstart a 2002 Saudi proposal for comprehensive peace in the region.

Mr. Peres proposed putting Israel’s various peace talks on one track last month at the U.N., calling on Saudi King Abdullah to “further his initiative.”

He has since been pushing the idea in meetings with Israeli, Arab and Western officials, said his office. — AP