(VOVworld) – A group of Israeli and Palestinian politicians on Monday agreed to urge the Arab League to resume a comprehensive peace offer to Israel.
Israeli and Palestinian politicians at the launch of the Prague Forum in Jerusalem, March 24, 2014 (Photo: AJEEC-NISPED) |
The group, known as ‘the Prague forum’, consists of Israelis, Palestinians, and Arab parliamentarians. The forum was unveiled after more than 40 politicians and leaders began secret meetings in Prague in February. The group hopes to pressure negotiators at US-backed peace talks to support the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The landmark plan offered Israel peace with dozens of Arab and Muslim countries in exchange for a withdrawal from all territories captured in the 1967 Middle East war. In a letter released Monday, the group said the initiative "provides the fundamental foundation for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace."
Regional news sources quoted Arab officials as saying that the 25th Arab League summit scheduled to take place in Kuwait next week will consider withdrawing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. An Arab official said the initiative "would not remain forever an exhibition for Israel to watch." He also asserted that the summit would definitely oppose recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, a key Israel demand in ongoing negotiations.