munaeem | 10 July, 2007 12:05
THE 22-member Arab League will send envoys on a historic first
mission to Israel this week to discuss a sweeping Arab peace initiative.
Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Egypt would be leading the delegation that is
expected to exchange views with Israeli leadership on the Arab peace plan.
Given the fact that officially the Arab League has all along been hostile
towards Israel because of latter's atrocious policies and stubborn attitude, the
planned visit of the delegation indicates softening of AL's stand towards Tel
Aviv. Some observers believe that it amounts to beginning of a journey that may
lead to ultimate recognition of the Jewish State. It would, however, be too early
to draw any conclusion and things would become clear after discussions between AL delegation and Israeli leaders.
This is a major Arab departure from their stated osition and shows flexibility and sincerity of the Arab world for resolution of he longstanding dispute in the Middle East. Arabs demonstrated similar lexibility in the past as well and elements of the peace plan unfolded by Saudi rabia way back in 2002 rested on the premise of land for peace but Israel utrightly rejected it. In March this year, leaders of the Arab world again threw heir weight behind the Saudi-proposed plan but Israelis are not yet ready to ccede to the demands for complete vacation of Arab lands occupied in 1967 and esettlement of Palestinian refugees. Under these circumstances, no breakthrough s expected at the forthcoming talks especially when an important party - Hamas - s being sidelined. Anyhow, the visit of the Arab League delegation would be a ajor diplomatic boost to Israel but it is to be seen if the new level of ngagement brings any relief for Palestinians.
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