Arab League chief Amr Moussa
Photo: AFP
Arab League 'concerned' ahead of Israel-PA talks
Organization fears direct negotiations won't achieve 'anticipated goal,' but Jordan says hopes they'll lead to establishment of independent Palestinian state
The Arab League expressed "deep concern" Sunday over Israeli statements regarding the direct negotiations with the Palestinians, which are set to resume in Washington next week after a stalemate of nearly two years.
"The Arab League is very concerned about the Israelis explanation for the basis of the negotiations," a statement issued by the organization's headquarters in Cairo said.
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The Arab League also said it fears the talks will not achieve the "expected goal."
Meanwhile, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said he hopes the direct negotiations will conclude within "a number of months to a year" and lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Washington has invited Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II -- the leaders of the only two Arab countries to have peace treaties with Israel -- to join the talks.
On Friday US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the launching of direct talks without preconditions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the development, saying reaching an agreement with Palestinians will be "difficult but possible."
The Palestinians, for their part, said talks would be suspended should Israel resume construction in the West Bank after the moratorium expires on September 26.
During Sunday's Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said, "Negotiations will require both sides to make moves. If there is such a partner, we could reach peace which will be based on three main levels: The first, real security arrangements in the State of Israel; the second, recognizing Israel as the Jewish people's state, including the right of return issue and the solution for the Palestinian refugees, which will be found in the future Palestinian state; and the third level, the establishment of the Palestinian state requires that it be demilitarized and end the conflict, so that it does not continue in any other way."
