Crown Prince Abdullah

A Saudi newspaper editorial is dismissing Israel's invitation to Crown Prince Abdullah to present his peace initiative in Jerusalem.

The Al-Watan editorial marks the first Saudi reaction to an Israeli offer for official visits.

On Monday, Israeli President Moshe Katsav invited Crown Prince Abdullah to Jerusalem to give details about his proposal for Arab-Israeli peace. Mr. Katsav also said he would visit Saudi Arabia if invited.

AP
Israeli President Moshe Katsav

Al-Watan called the Israeli suggestion a "maneuver."

The Saudi newspaper said an exchange of visits would occur only to solidify agreements that had been signed, not at the start of an initiative.

The Al-Watan editorial says an Arab League leaders summit in Beirut slated for March 27-29 will decide the fate of the initiative.

Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP.

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version