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Last update - 16:12 30/03/2008 Arab League: Support for Saudi peace plan depends on Israel By Reuters Tags: Israel, Arab League, Syria  A meeting of the Arab League in Damascus ended Sunday with a warning to Israel that the organization's ongoing support for the 2002 Saudi Arabian Mideast peace initiative depends on Israel's actions. The peace initiative offers Israel peace and normal relations with all Arab countries in return for withdrawal from all territory captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. The two-day summit, subdued in the wake of the boycott of Arab leaders critical of Damascus, issued a statement saying that the Arab governments will review their strategies on peace with Israel. It did not say what options were under consideration or when the review would take place. Advertisement "The continuation by the Arab side to present the Arab peace initiative is tied to Israel executing its commitments in the framework of international resolutions to achieve peace in the region," a Damascus declaration said. The statement, read by Arab League chief Amr Moussa, added: "[The Arab heads of state decided] to evaluate and review Arab strategies and the plan of action regarding reviving the peace process as a prelude to decide on next Arab moves." Although it did not set a time frame, Moussa has said Arab foreign ministers will start a review in the middle of the year. The language on the Arab peace plan was not a surprise as it was almost identical to that of a decision approved by Arab foreign ministers at a meeting in Cairo three weeks ago. Moussa and other Arab officials have said that withdrawing the peace plan is not an option and in public they have not proposed alternatives. Lebanon boycotted the Damascus summit in protest at what it says is Syrian obstruction, through its local allies, of the process of electing a new Lebanese president. Three key Arab heads of state - the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan - also stayed away from the summit, in solidarity with the Lebanese government. On Lebanon, the Damascus Declaration broke no new ground, saying the Arab leaders stand by an Arab initiative which endorses army chief Michel Suleiman as a consensus candidate. The Lebanese government and the opposition, which is allied with Syria and Iran, agree on Suleiman but disagree on whether the opposition forces should have veto power in a new cabinet. The declaration said: "We declare that ... we stand by the Arab initiative to help Lebanon and support the efforts of the (Arab League) secretary general to encourage the Lebanese parties to reach consensus to resolve this crisis to preserve Lebanon's security, unity, stability and prosperity." Related articles: Anti-Syrian protesters march in Beirut in wake of Arab summit Barak: Renewed talks with Syria are a central policy goal At Syria summit, Abbas calls for Arab troops in Palestinian territories Bookmark to del.icio.us   My land, my country Israeli Arabs mark 32nd Land Day in demonstrations across the country. One voice on Israel It's hard to find differences in U.S. candidates' promises on peace process.   1.   The Return of the Saudi Plan 15:54  |  Natallie Durson 30/03/08   2.   arab Peace Plan assumes Western and leftist stupidity 16:03  |  Sam 30/03/08   3.   The refugees probleme. 16:17  |  Jean Van Daem 30/03/08   4.   Questions? 17:17  |  Lolek 30/03/08   5.   Peace Plan or First Step to the Annihilation of Israel? 17:47  |  Eli 30/03/08   6.   Palistinians: Arabs` Achilles Hill 18:46  |  BenAceraf 30/03/08   7.   Israel is not a BANANA REPUBLIC 20:38  |  Di 30/03/08   8.   The Saudis should be more worried about Iran,Lebaon,& Syria 20:56  |  Dish It Out 30/03/08   9.   peace and guarentees 23:36  |  montgomery rosen 30/03/08   10.   Putting it all on Israel 00:53  |  PK 31/03/08   11.   True Faith and call for prayer, God be the Judge of the deal. 14:26  |  Simon 31/03/08

Today Online Settlers' council: We'll build with or without gov't okay Responses: 63 Yishai: Israel must negotiate with Hamas over Shalit release Responses: 67 Editorial: Peace talks, even on Jerusalem, must be secret Responses: 18 Yesha council vows to build in settlements without gov't permits Responses: 63 MK Swaid: Demolition of Arab homes will lead to an explosion Responses: 16 Rosner's Domain New Guest: Rabbis who don't officiate intermarriage should refer to rabbis who do Poll: what percentage Jews will vote McCain? Is McCain eligable for contribution from the new dovish lobby? 38% for pressuring Palestinians, 25% for pressuring Israel (WTR) Bush is still determined not to repeat Clinton's mistakes More Headlines 14:42 Settler council: We'll build with or without gov't okay 14:22 Barak: If Gaza calm continues, we'll mull easing border control 14:28 Israeli official: Rice wants draft declaration before Bush visit 12:42 Once a week, the gift of human dignity 14:17 Norway tries suspects in 2006 shooting at main Oslo synagogue 14:45 Third of Israelis so poor they must forgo some essential foods 14:37 Meshal: Shalit still alive; Yishai: We need swap talks with Hamas 14:25 Cash-strapped Foreign Min. can't celebrate 60th anniversary abroad 11:52 For sale: Tel Aviv's most expensive flat, a steal at $34 million 01:29 Police: Bnei Brak has by far the highest rate of sexual offenses 09:02 Shaky peace initiative 10:45 Israel can't escape subprime woe 06:25 Join the PA police, get NIS 1,400 a month Previous Editions Select Day 30 mar 28 mar 27 mar 26 mar 25 mar 24 mar 23 mar 21 mar 20 mar 19 mar 18 mar 17 mar

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