Arab League to send its delegation to Israel | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Arab League to send its delegation to Israel

AP | By, Jerusalem
Jul 09, 2007 11:50 AM IST

The 22-country league will send envoys to discuss a sweeping Arab peace initiative and how it might prop up embattled Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The 22-country Arab League will send envoys on a historic first mission to Israel this week to discuss a sweeping Arab peace initiative and how it might prop up embattled Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israel's Foreign Ministry has said.

HT Image
HT Image

The announcement came on Sunday, the same day Israel's Cabinet approved the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners in a bid to bolster Abbas in his power struggle with the Islamic militant Hamas.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

An official League visit would be a diplomatic coup for Israel. The League historically has been hostile towards the Jewish state, but has grown increasingly conciliatory given the expanding influence of Islamic extremists in the region - a concern underscored by Hamas' violent takeover of the Gaza Strip last month.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan would lead an Arab League mission to Israel "within a few days" to discuss the Arab peace plan, which would trade full Arab recognition of Israel for an Israeli withdrawal from all lands captured in the 1967 Mideast war and the creation of a Palestinian state.

"This is the first time the Arab League is coming to Israel," Regev said. "From its inception the Arab League has been hostile to Israel. It will be the first time we'll be flying the Arab League flag."

Government spokesman David Baker said no date had been set for the meeting. But Israel's Maariv daily said Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul-Ilah al-Khatib and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit were expected in Jerusalem Thursday for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defence Minister Ehud Barak.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On