Egypt: Israel must accept Arab peace plan before negotiations begin

"Israel must announce first that it is accepting the (Arab peace) initiative, then we start searching for a mechanism of negotiations, for a peaceful settlement for the conflict," said Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Hani Khalaf, Friday.

The Arab plan offers Israel recognition and peace in return for full withdrawal from the land Israel captured in the 1967 war, plus the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its

capital. It also calls for allowing Palestinian refugees the right to return to homes in Israel.  (AP)