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Arab League set for Israel talks Arab League set for Israel talks
(20 minutes later)
For the first time, a delegation from the Arab League is visiting Israel to try to push forward a plan for peace in the Middle East.For the first time, a delegation from the Arab League is visiting Israel to try to push forward a plan for peace in the Middle East.
Foreign ministers from Egypt and Jordan, the only Arab countries that recognise Israel, will meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.Foreign ministers from Egypt and Jordan, the only Arab countries that recognise Israel, will meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
King Abdullah of Jordan meanwhile is in Washington, where he had a private dinner with President George W Bush.King Abdullah of Jordan meanwhile is in Washington, where he had a private dinner with President George W Bush.
And the new Middle East envoy Tony Blair continues his tour of the region.And the new Middle East envoy Tony Blair continues his tour of the region.
He is due to visit Bahrain and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.He is due to visit Bahrain and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
After going to the West Bank on Tuesday he said there was a "sense of possibility" in the region.After going to the West Bank on Tuesday he said there was a "sense of possibility" in the region.
Peace planPeace plan
The Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers will be pushing Israel to consider the Arab peace initiative, which offers Israel normal ties with all Arab states in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories, the creation of a Palestinian state and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem.The Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers will be pushing Israel to consider the Arab peace initiative, which offers Israel normal ties with all Arab states in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories, the creation of a Palestinian state and a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem.
King Abdullah went for dinner at the White HouseKing Abdullah went for dinner at the White House
Israel responded very coolly to the Arab initiative when it was first put forward in 2002.Israel responded very coolly to the Arab initiative when it was first put forward in 2002.
But recently, it has expressed a willingness to discuss it.But recently, it has expressed a willingness to discuss it.
Some observers see the Arab League visit as part of growing diplomatic activity aimed at reviving the moribund Middle East peace process, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Jerusalem.Some observers see the Arab League visit as part of growing diplomatic activity aimed at reviving the moribund Middle East peace process, says the BBC's Bethany Bell in Jerusalem.
It suggests, they say, that peace is still possible if moderate forces work together.It suggests, they say, that peace is still possible if moderate forces work together.
But elsewhere, our correspondent says there is deep pessimism about whether these steps are really leading anywhere, as well as concern about the massive internal divisions among the Palestinians. But elsewhere, our correspondent says, there is deep pessimism about whether these steps are really leading anywhere, as well as concern about the massive internal divisions among the Palestinians.
In Washington, King Abdullah urged President Bush to step up US efforts on the Middle East peace process, said a statement from Jordan's embassy.
"The King said that a just and comprehensive peace... should emanate from a solution that addresses all outstanding issues between the Palestinians and Israel, including final status issues" of borders and refugees, the statement said.
Mr Bush "remains committed to two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security," said Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the US National Security Council.