On Monday, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that when the killing is going on it is even more urgent to intensify the search for peace. "I therefore think that the [Saudi] Crown Prince’s ideas are still very useful and should be pursued," Annan told reporters in response to whether it is realistic to consider Prince Abdullah’s proposal for a Mideast settlement at this time.
The Saudi initiative calls for the Arab recognition of Israel in return for its full withdrawal to the 1967 borders. "We really need to look at all creative ideas...I don’t think what has happened should detract us from focusing on the search for a durable solution and attempt to bring the parties to the table and to break the impasse," he said, according to KUNA.
Later, Annan’s Spokesman said, "the Secretary-General strongly urges all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to remember that in the end there will still have to be a peaceful settlement of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians."
Only the resumption of a meaningful dialogue, he added, will facilitate the achievement of a lasting cease-fire and a just, lasting and comprehensive solution. (Albawaba.com)
