Ain-Al-Yaqeen - January 19, 2007

		January 19, 2007

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES REVIEWS WITH RICE REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS.
PRINCE SAUD AL-FAISAL: THE KINGDOM AGREES WITH PRESIDENT BUSH THAT A NEW STRATEGY WITH A CLEAR PURPOSE IS NEEDED FOR IRAQ.
PRESIDENT MUBARAK STRESSES ADHERENCE TO THE SAUDI-ARAB INITIATVE AND THE JORDANIAN MONARCH WARNS OF NOT ACTIVATING THE ROAD MAP.
PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS AFFIRMS HIS REJECTION OF ANY TEMPORARY OR TRANSITIONAL SOLUTIONS AND RICE PLANS A TRIPARTITE MEETING WITH ABBAS AND OLMERT.
THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH RICE IN KUWAIT.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her accompanying delegation. During the reception, she conveyed to the King greetings and appreciation of US President George W. Bush. On his part, the King asked her to convey his greetings and appreciation to the US President.

The King and Rice discussed a number of events and developments at regional and international arenas led by the latest developments in Palestine and Iraq.

The reception was attended by Prince Badr Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Commander of the National Guard; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Chief of the General Intelligence and James Oberwetter, the U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal held a joint press conference with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Riyadh today. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz held talks with Secretary Rice about the new US strategy in Iraq.

Prince Saud said that the Kingdom agrees with President Bush that a new strategy with a clear purpose is needed for Iraq and expressed the hope that the new US strategy for Iraq would achieve security and unity there.

"We hope that President Bush's plan goes forward to achieve these objectives in view," Prince Saud said. "We hope to support the plan by resuming the Iraqi national accord conference in response to the efforts of the Arab League in view of the situation in Iraq of impact on the security and stability of the region and entire world."

He also noted, "In supporting the plan, the plan has objectives. The details of how to implement those objectives I don't think we can cover in one night of discussions, so we really cannot comment on what the means will be applied for this. But a lot of responsibility, as his speech explained, lies on the Iraqi Government itself so it depends on what program the Iraqi Government puts that the details will be clarified."

The Foreign Minister also said that he hopes the Iraqi National Reconciliation Conference would resume in response to efforts by the Arab League.

In her remarks, Secretary Rice said that the Kingdom was very helpful to the process of thinking through many elements of the Iraq issue, and that the two countries share the goal of a unified, sovereign Iraq without foreign interference.

Prince Saud added that the Saudi-US talks also dealt with developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in light of Secretary Rice's recent meetings with Palestinian and Israeli leaders. He welcomed the United States' renewed commitment to the peace process and to resolving the conflict.

In addition, Prince Saud expressed the hope that the siege imposed on the Palestinians would end, that it is collective punishment and increases their suffering.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the talks between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice focused on the latest developments in Iraq.

"The talks dealt with the new strategy of US President George W. Bush in Iraq and the bases on which this strategy is built as well as the objectives it seeks to achieve," Prince Saud said.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Rice, Prince Saud said "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia agreed with the U.S. President on the situation in Iraq which need a new strategy and clear goals and objectives to respond to current developments, which can be applicable in this regard."

Prince Saud said " We welcome the objectives that seeks to achieve in stopping the deteriorating security situation and in dealing with all sources of terrorism and militias in all regions of Iraq without distinction or discrimination and in achieving the national unity among all components of the Iraqi people with various factions and ethnicities and leanings, taking into consideration the principle of equality and parity among everyone in terms of rights and duties and sharing of wealth which we aspire to make some amendments in the Constitution to ensure the participation of all these groups in the political process and in the preservation of Iraq's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity to stop the penetration of outsiders in the Iraqi affair, which aims at manipulating the national unity and its fragmentation.

Prince Saud expressed hope that the US President's strategy will find its way to achieve these goals.

He also expressed hope "to support the plan and the resumption of the Iraqi National Reconciliation Conference in response to the efforts of the Arab League in view of the fact that the situation in Iraq impacts on the security and stability of the region and the world.

Prince Saud pointed out that the talks dealt with developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the light of consultations conducted by Rice with the Palestinian and Israeli leaderships and efforts to revive the peace process which aims to achieve a just and comprehensive peace and establish an independent Palestinian state viable living side by side with Israel, according to the vision of President George W. Bush, on the basis of international legitimacy and signed agreements between the two sides and the road map and the Arab peace initiative.

Prince Saud welcomed the renewed commitment of the US administration to achieve progress in the peace process and establish a Palestinian state and to devote its efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He expressed hope for an end to the siege and closure imposed on the Palestinian territories in accordance with the policy requirements and collective punishment against the Palestinian people and increase their sufferings.

He thought that the revival of the peace process should benefit from past experiences that require focus on the main issues of the conflict and work to find comprehensive solutions after partial solutions that have proved ineffective in achieving progress in the peace process.

"As, we discussed also the danger of nuclear proliferation in the region and repercussions of a new threat to the security of the region and the world, we on our part express the importance of cooperation with this issue through dialogue and peaceful negotiations in a comprehensive manner and without any exception for any country in the region in any proceedings and international efforts in this regard," Prince Saud said.

He said the talks also covered the situation in Lebanon and repercussions of the current crisis, seriously affecting the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon.

Prince Saud said "We agree on the importance of calming the situation and eliminating the tension and creating the conditions for the success of the Paris-3, which enjoys international attention."

On her part, Condoleezza Rice expressed her thanks and appreciation for the hospitality of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

She said "The intensive discussions held between us ... And I appreciate a lot my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and our talks on issues of common interest."

Rice described 'good as a whole' the talks held with officials in the Kingdom. She said "These are times of challenges in the Middle East, but we also hope that these are also times of opportunities and possibilities."

Rice affirmed that the United States will deepen its efforts to achieve peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis to allow for President Bush's vision of two states living side by side in peace and stability.

She said "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was very helpful party to us in the process of thinking for many elements of the Iraq issue, and we share our goal to see a unified Iraq enjoying sovereignty over its territory and rejecting outside interference on its territory ... a kind of Iraq where all citizens can enjoy equal treatment under protection of the state, regardless of sects and ethnicity."

With regard to Lebanon, Rice noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States are working together to support the government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. She considered the Paris-3 conference as an indication of the international community's support for the Lebanese government.

Prince Saud and Rice, then, answered questions raised by reporters who asked if there was any Saudi mediation to resolve the American-Iranian disagreement, Rice said "There is no conflict between the United States and Iran with regard to its nuclear program in a resolution voted by the 15 members of the Security Council demanding Iran to halt operations dealing with nuclear materials. Iran should deal with the demands of the international community."

"If Iran responds to this demand, the United States is willing to organize with fellow Europeans, the discussions and how to move forward for the peaceful nuclear program of Iran, " She added.

"The process is not mediation process with respect to what the President has said. It is important that the United States should protect its forces operating in Iraq. Moreover, we are working with the Iraqi government to stop individuals who smuggle explosive materials and stop them from doing such work."

Commenting on the same question, Prince Saud noted "As the US Secretary of State said there is no need for mediation in this context ...the two sides have enough of negotiations and know each other well, which enables them with goodwill, to find a peaceful solution to any differences that exist. And this is our hope."

"Our relations with the United States are long-term relationships and do not require any explanation or interpretation. And Iran is a neighbor of the Kingdom and no doubt we hope to avoid any conflict that might emerge," Prince Saud said.

As regards whether the Kingdom might take steps such as increasing oil production to reduce prices and put pressure on Iran, Prince Saud said "The policy of Saudi Arabia is clear in this regard. We assume our responsibility very seriously and keep the market healthy for consumers and producers alike.

He recalled the stands of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the past oil crises when it assumed its responsibilities in this regard, and said the Kingdom has always played a great role for the stability of oil prices in the global market.

Regarding the Kingdom's reservations about the new strategy of President Bush in Iraq, Prince Saud said "We agree on its goals if these are applied, it can resolve problems facing Iraq and its implementation requires response from the Iraqis themselves to these goals ... because the responsibility rests primarily with the Iraqis to reach an agreement. And we can not be Iraqis more than the Iraqis.

Subsequently, other countries can help, but the burden of the decision was a matter for the Iraqis and I have said that we hope to contribute as an Arab country to reach the targets set by the strategy of trying to find national reconciliation, which paves the way for the Iraqis to have confidence and their government to deal everyone with equality in terms of rights and duties and to build the Iraqi institutions which are capable of maintaining the security and utilizing the country's resources to build Iraq, which can contribute to the stability and growth of the region."

Commenting on the same question, Rice said that the Iraqis should determine what kind of state and the country they want. And this depends whether the Iraqis desire one unified country because of sectarian tendencies... When we spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki, he said they wanted One unified Iraq. But there is a lot of work for them until they accomplish this task. There should be genuine efforts under the national reconciliation plan that was announced recently. However, there has to be a genuine effort to deal with the security situation, especially in Baghdad. There should also be equality among all Iraqi citizens and they should feel that they are protected by their government.

She said the US President's contributions in this regard, are aimed to help the Iraqis by increasing the number of US forces and efforts, especially economic assistance for reconstruction and the political system and building government institutions. "

As regards the contribution of the countries in the region in the American plan for Iraq, Rice said "this is the secret that made me come to the region. I hope and expect that we will continue to talk about what can be done when holding the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in addition to Egypt and Jordan. I have always said that this is not a meeting for establishing a counter-front, but let us meet in order to have a positive agenda for the Middle East. I hope in my meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the GCC in addition to Egypt and Jordan that the agenda will be political and positive".

Regarding the confidence in the Saudi government of Iraqi Prime Minister in dealing with the current crisis, Prince Saud said "this is not an issue of the Kingdom. This is up to the people of Iraq who will determine this matter. I think that this is the important thing. Iraqi people have major responsibilities and they have to deal with a lot of issues that have big consequences on the future (of Iraq). Everyone shall move in and make Iraq participate in the political process instead of the military process and to achieve the wishes of the people. In the end, if there is a democratic government that exists and is not appointed by bullets but by ballot papers, Iraq should deal with issues of militias. Therefore, Iraq has a busy agenda that does not require the confidence of the foreign States, but relies on the confidence of the Iraqi people to do what must be done".

Commenting on the Kingdom's support for the plan of US President, Prince Saud said "the plan has goals and details for implementation, and I do not think that we can cover them in one night during the meetings or discussions. Therefore, we can not comment on the details and mechanisms which are meant for application."

Regarding the US stance towards the claims of some European countries for holding a new conference for peace process, Rice said "the idea of the international conference may be beneficial on certain time, but through talking with the Palestinian and Israeli parties, I realized that they want to engage directly in the negotiations and they do not want the international community in this context . We should focus on efforts and actual work".

Regarding the steps that would be taken by Saudi Arabia in the event of escalation of the civil war in Iraq, Prince Saud wondered by saying "for consequences, why do we predict a worsening situation. Why not we think of a situation that improves?"

"There is a need to raise the morale because frustrating efforts and pessimism would neither benefit Shiites, Turkmen, Sunnis nor Kurds. When the view is pessimistic, it will not serve the neighboring countries nor the regional and international powers. We have hope and want to think through it in a positive way rather than assuming the worst," Prince Saud said.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received at his farm in Rawdat Khuraim, north east of the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the US Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, Gates conveyed to the monarch the greetings of President George W. Bush. In turn, King Abdullah sent his greetings to the president.

The audience was attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, deputy premier, minister of defense and aviation and inspector general; Prince Mit'eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, minister of municipal and rural affairs; Prince Badr Ibn Abdul Aziz, deputy commander of the national guard; Prince Adul-Ilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, chief of general intelligence; Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, assistant minister of defense and aviation and inspector general for military affairs; Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Saud, assistant chief of general intelligence; Prince General Mit'eb Bin Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, assistant deputy commander of the national guard; other princes, and US Ambassador to the kingdom James Oberwetter. The guests and the Saudi senior officials had dinner with the monarch.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and US Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates held talks at the monarch's farm in Rawdat Khuraim, north east of the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

During the meeting, the overall developments at the regional and international arenas were discussed.

The meeting was attended Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, deputy premier, minister of defense and aviation and inspector general; Prince Mit'eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, minister of municipal and rural affairs; Prince Badr Ibn Abdul Aziz, deputy commander of the national guard; Prince Adul-Ilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, chief of general intelligence; Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, assistant minister of defense and aviation and inspector general for military affairs and US Ambassador to the kingdom James Oberwetter.

In Cairo President Hosni Mubarak and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held a session of talks in Luxor during which they discussed the situation in the Middle East, how to push forward the Middle East peace process and maintain Iraq's stability.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit told a joint conference with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that the meeting was positive and constructive.

He said during the meeting, an agreement was reached on maintaining such a high level of meetings during the coming visits by the Foreign Minister, Omar Soliman and another group of Egyptian ministers for discussing the situation in the Middle East, US Egyptian relations which he described as characterized by friendship and mutual support Egypt is convinced that US President George bush's plan to deal with the situation in Baghdad area will be able to bring stability to Iraq, Abul-Gheit said.

The Egyptian-American talks also dwelt on Rice's talks in Ramallah and Israel and her vision of propelling the peace process and dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli relationship to advance peace, Abul-Gheit said.

Other regional issues were also addressed, such as Somalia, Darfur and Lebanon, he added.

He stressed the need to bring calm to Lebanon and enable the Lebanese government to proceed to secure the success of the projected Paris-3 conference on Lebanon.

In general, the Mubarak-Rice meeting was "positive and constructive," he said.

He said they had agreed to maintain this level of meetings at an upcoming visit to the US by him, Omar Soliman and other Egyptian officials for general discussions on the Middle East or the Egyptian-American relations, which he described as friendly, candid and supportive of each other.

Rice, on her part, affirmed the depth of Egyptian-American ties, which she appreciated very much.

She thanked President Mubarak for receiving her and for the time he gave her to discuss Middle East issues of mutual concern, adding that she also appreciated his advice and insight.

Her talks with Egyptian officials, she said, tackled bilateral issues, domestic developments in Egypt and the consultations she recently had with Palestinian and Israeli officials.

She expressed hope these talks would expedite the implementation of the Roadmap and, maybe, lead, at the end of the road, to the establishment of a Palestinian state; Rice said she would bring together Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas soon to explore ideas for an eventual Palestinian state.

She also expected minister Soliman to visit Washington within weeks, and said the current stage is marked by intensive consultations on Mideast issues.

On Iraq, she said she spoke to Egyptian officials on the US presence in Iraq and thanked them for listening to the US and for their willingness to be positive concerning the US plan in Iraq that would remain under discussion throughout the course of its application.

Asked about Bush's address in which he said he relied on the cooperation of moderate states in the Middle East in his Iraq plan, Rice said all were responsible as this part of the region would be influenced by developments in Iraq.

Bush meant cooperation with the US friends int he Middle East and those whom he believed shared the US interest, she added.

All Iraqis, whether Sunnis, Shiites or Kurds deserved equal treatment, she said, adding that diplomacy and a joint strategy were needed to move forward.

No criticism was levelled in any way, but there is real belief and conviction that these are the natural of the US allies who must help the US realize stability and territorial integrity in Iraq, she said. It must be an Iraq capable of defending itself against foreign influence, especially influence coming from Iran, she added.

Abul-Gheit, on his part, said, when asked on Egypt's position on Bush's Iraq plan, that Egypt understood, from Rice's explanation, the dynamics behind and the US need to reach this strategy.

Egypt hopes and feels that this idea will be able to provide security, unity and reconciliation for the Iraqi government, he added.

We feel that this idea will lead to the dismantling of any gangs, terror groups or any party seeking to influence Iraq, he said.

Helping Iraq to help itself means working on some amendments of the Constitution to allow all walks of life and political forces in the country to participate in governing Iraq, he added. He expressed hope the plan would succeed.

The US State Secretary said that her Middle East tour aimed to highlight the US resolve to help the parties concerned to implement the Roadmap Plan.

The US top diplomat underlined the importance of solving all issues in order to help the setting up of a Palestinian state.

Rice hailed as 'wise" Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's proposal to hold unofficial talks with Israel on different issues.

The US does not want to press for holding official talks between the parties concerned as long as they are not ready, she said.

Rice said Washington and Cairo are working to solve issues affecting the daily life of the Palestinian people.

Egypt is working on the issues of Rafah border crossing and revamping the Palestinian security agencies, she said.

Cairo is also offering political support to Abbas and has been exerting tireless efforts to secure the release of the captured Israeli soldier, according to Rice.

The US State Secretary dismissed any intention to block bilateral talks between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert.

The US top diplomat said that Washington was not willing to attend all meetings between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The Bush administration will see if there was a need for a US presence at future meetings between the two sides, she maintained.

For his part, the Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed his country's readiness to host Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.

Abul-Gheit said that negotiations were the key to an independent Palestinian state on the lands captured in 1967.

Asked about US President George W. Bush's call for support from his allies, Rice said Washington believes in consulting with the others in order to make a breakthrough.

Rice urged both the Palestinians and Israelis to abide by their obligations as stipulated in the Roadmap Peace Plan.

On an Egyptian proposal to revive the dormant peace process, Abul-Gheit said that the proposal aimed to re-launch the peace talks to help establish an independent Palestinian state.

To this end, the two sides must implement the already signed agreements he added.

Despite Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas agreement on a package of measures to be taken, noting has yet been implemented on the ground, Abul-Gheit said.

The Egyptian top diplomat voiced hope that implementing the agreed steps would lead to calm in order to put into effect the Roadmap Plan.

On a US request for Egypt's backing in Iraq, Rice said that Cairo has been willing to help Iraq. Egypt has been working to encourage the Sunnis and other Iraqi groups to engage in the country's political process, she noted.

The US top diplomat called for stepping up efforts to establish stability in Iraq. It is high time for the Iraqi government to shoulder its responsibilities in this regard, she stressed.

For his part, Abul-Gheit said that Egypt was ready to train Iraqi forces in order to help enable the Iraqis maintain security in the war-torn country.

Abul-Gheit voiced hope that the new US strategy in Iraq would help strengthen the Iraqi government.

But, he said, this depends on tackling the danger of militias which threaten both the Iraqi people and government.

Abul-Gheit called for encouraging the Iraqi sects and ethnic groups to engage in the political process.

On an Iranian role in Iraq, Abul-Gheit called for non- interference in the Iraqi internal affairs, adding that the issue would be raised between Rice and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers on Tuesday.

On the other hand; Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa underlined the need to end the current tension in Iraq.

Following talks with the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Moussa said that he discussed with the US top diplomat the situation in Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

The talks also tackled the US President George Bush's new strategy in Iraq in addition to the developments in Darfur and Somalia, he added.

AL Chief Moussa said that he raised a number of questions about Bush's new Iraq strategy and its objective.

The questions revolved around the US tackling of the different Iraqi sects and guarantees necessary to put Iraq back on the path of development, he added.

Moussa said he has agreed with Rice on a number of principles to end tension in Iraq.

The AL chief said he has agreed with the US Secretary of State on the need to maintain Iraq's unity and territorial integrity.

"We have also agreed on the need to resume the Iraqi national reconciliation process as well as to dismantle militias blamed for the current cycle of violence and bloodletting in Iraq, he added.

Moussa said that these points would be included in the new US policy in Iraq.

He noted that the Arab League (AL) will consult with the United States and other parties concerning Iraq.

On the Palestinian issue, Moussa said that Rice would return to the Middle East within weeks to bring Palestinian and Israeli leaders together and re-launch the peace process in order to establish a viable Palestinian state.

In Amman King Abdullah II called on the United States to actively push for a revival of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations that would lead to the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state that would fulfil Palestinian aspirations for freedom, independence and security.

During a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who was on a tour of the region, King Abdullah said without tangible, specific steps to activate the implementation of the Road Map in the near future, the cycle of violence will widen.

A just and durable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on international legality and the Arab Peace Initiative is the key to moving the region towards a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, King Abdullah said. The objective of peace negotiations should be the establishment of a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state, he said.

During the meeting, the King also urged the United States to help the Palestinian National Authority, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, so that a strong Palestinian partner capable of advancing the peace process could emerge.

Rice briefed King Abdullah on the results of her talks with President Abbas. She stressed Washington's commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel, and said the American administration would work with all concerned parties to bring the Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiating table. She commended King Abdullah's efforts toward peace and stability in the Middle East.

King Abdullah reviewed developments in Iraq with the US Secretary of State. He reiterated that it was necessary to include all Iraqi social groups in efforts to restore Iraq's stability and security. He stressed that any political process in Iraq that does not do so was likely to fail and to invite more violence. As a key component of the Iraqi social fabric, he said, the Iraqi Sunni community must be included as partners in building Iraq's future.

Rice outlined the components of Washington's new Iraq strategy, announced last week by US President George Bush.

King Abdullah expressed Jordan's appreciation for American support for the Kingdom's economic reforms and development efforts.

President Mahmoud Abass arrived in Ramallah after he held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman.

The short visit to Jordan aimed at setting coordination between the two leaders on the eve of the US Secretary of States Condoleezza Rice's tour the region.

The leaders also discussed Arab and international efforts aimed to overcome difficulties impeding the restart of the peace process to reach specific and tangible steps on the ground to establish an independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian national soil.

In a statement to Jordan television after the meeting, President Abbas said his talks with King Abdullah centred on Rice's visit to the region and the need to coordinate Arab stand because it is important to talk to the US administration with one language and one content.

In reply to a question whether he would soon head for Damascus, President Abbas said so far no date has been set for such a visit, adding "We will wait for the next week to decide on this," he added.

On the Palestinian-Palestinian dialogue, President Abbas said it would start from Gaza through the follow-up committee. "I think it will start tomorrow and last for two weeks," he said.

For his part, King Abdullah II reiterated that efforts of all Palestinian parties should be geared at this stage to give top priority to the Palestinian people's interest above any other considerations.

This can be done through tightening the Palestinian internal front so that the Palestinian negotiators can go ahead in peace talks to regain the Palestinian legitimate rights based on international legitimacy and the two-state solution, King Abdullah added.

"The Arab peace initiative is a practical and reasonable frame to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the core of problems in the region, and if resolved can bring about a solution to end all aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict," the King said.

King Abdullah urged both the Palestinians and Israelis to take the lead and make use of the political momentum expected to surface with the regional tour of Rice in the coming few days to reach positive results that can fulfill aspirations of the peoples in region for a just and comprehensive peace, which guarantees security and stability for all.

President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed his rejection of any temporary or transitional solutions, including a state of temporary borders.

In a joint press conference with US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice in Ramallah, President said that "we have discussed with Rice several topics of which priority is the peace process and the necessity to provide suitable conditions and circumstances to revive it and lead to ending the Israeli Occupation as stated in the Road Map."

President also appreciated President Bush's vision to establishing a viable and continuant Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital living side by side with Israel in security and peace.

"In order to give the political process an opportunity it deserves and to regain credibility and confidence of the peoples in the region, it immediately should hold all colonials activities in the Palestinian Territory, stop the construction of the Annexation and Expansion Wall and putting an end to siege, closure imposed on our people and land, release of prisoners from Israeli jails, stopping Israeli policy of incursions, arrests and collective punishment, the last of which was in Ramallah and the killing of four innocent citizens and injury of tens along the damage of property," President said.

The President also affirmed the importance of a continuing a comprehensive truce in the Gaza Strip to expand it to the West Bank and to be included to all the Palestinian Territory as a guarantee to its continuity.

The President emphasised on active and continued mobilisation by regional and international parties to put and end to the conflict to achieve a just, comprehensive and durable peace in all levels and at all tracks, so as the region and its peoples live in peace and stability.

The President spoke also about the efforts made to form a national unity government based on a programme capable of lifting the siege and reviving the peace process to which "we could control over our occupied land, establish our independent state and regain all of our national legitimate rights which are recognised by the entire world," adding "we hope to achieve it as soon as possible and this would lead to a happy end, by which the required government will be established otherwise, we go back to the people and hold Presidential and Legislative elections."

The President affirmed on the national unity government and his absolute rejection to solve indifferences through violence.

For her part, Dr. Rice affirmed that the United States is deeply concerned to finding ways to accelerate further in the Road Map that internationally recognised, adding that the "United States is absolutely committed to helping provide a solution for Israelis and Palestinians can live in security, peace and democracy."

"I want to assure you Mr. President, as I assured others that I have heard loud and clear the call for deeper American engagement in these processes and the United States is committed to find a solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in security."

"These are our goals and we abide by President Bush's vision on a viable Palestinian state," Rice said.

Rice said that "I desire the Palestinian people must be able to live in dignity, democracy and in peace of which a government can be respected and supported by international community that something which the Palestinian people deserves."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in Germany: "I did find the parties to be very desirous of accelerating progress on the road map, of extending the momentum that has been achieved in the meeting between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas," Rice said, referring to an ice-breaking first official meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert last month.

In an earlier news conference Rice said she and Olmert had agreed to meet Abbas in a three-way summit as a way to generate momentum for the stalled Middle East peace process. The decision came during talks in Jerusalem between Rice and Olmert.

No date was set for the future three-way meeting, but a senior State Department official said it will take place within three to four weeks, sometime after the previously scheduled International Quartet meeting slated for early February.

That meeting will be attended by leaders from the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations.

Rice invited the International Quartet representatives to Washington for the upcoming talks, including Merkel, whose country now holds the European Union presidency.

Rice capped off her trip with a visit to British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London before heading home.

Foreign minister of the GCC, Egypt, Jordan, and the US welcomed in their meeting the commitment by the US to defend security of the Gulf, territorial integrity of Iraq, and to ensure a successful, fair and inclusive political process that engaged all Iraqi communities to guarantee stability of the country.

This came in the final communique of the fourth consultative meeting of foreign ministers of six GCC member states, Egypt, Jordan, and the US.

Participants agreed that a stable, prosperous, and unified Iraq was in the interest of all countries and that efforts to achieve national reconciliation that encompassed all elements of Iraqi society was strongly supported.

Moreover, they condemned sectarian violence that undermined the ability of the Iraqi people to live in peace and security, and called for the dismantlement of all militias.

They expressed desire to "prevent Iraq from becoming a battle ground for regional and international powers" and urged all to help end sectarian violence in Iraq, hoping the Iraqi government would "actively engage all components of the Iraqi people in a real political process and act in a manner that ensures inclusiveness and paves the way for the success of national reconciliation." The ministers considered the pursuing of these objectives as "the responsibility of the Iraqi government and called for amending the constitution accordingly, and expressed their readiness to support its efforts in this regard." Violence has been indiscriminate in Iraq since the US-led coalition liberated the country from the grip of the former baathist regime in March 2003. tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel were either killed or injured since the liberation.

On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the ministers considered it "a central and core problem (of the crises in the Middle East) and that without resolving this conflict the region will nor enjoy sustained peace and stability." They affirmed their commitment to achieving peace in the Middle East through the "two-state solution", saying the foundation for this path included the Arab Peace Initiative, UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515, as well as the Road Map.

Furthermore, they called on parties to abide by the 2005 Sharm El-Sheikh Understandings, and the Agreement on Movement and Access. They hoped the December 2006 meeting between the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert would be "followed by concrete steps in this dialogue." They reiterated their commitment to support Palestinian economy, building and strengthening the institutions of the Palestinian state.

As for Lebanon, the ministers underscored their commitment to full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701.

They called for respecting the sovereignty of Lebanon and "non-interference in its internal affairs". They looked forward to a successful Paris III meetings, due in the French capital later this month, "which will support Lebanon's long term development and fiscal stability." The ministers strongly condemned all terrorist attacks in Lebanon since October 2004 and affirmed that all those involved must be held accountable.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with the presence of the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, received US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the delegation accompanying her at Dar Salwa, on the occasion of her visit to the country.

Bilateral relations and means to strengthen them on all levels were among issues discussed in the meeting, alongside with latest regional and international developments, in addition to issues of common interests.

The reception was attended by a number of high-rank state officials.

In Israel following the conclusion of several months of probes into the Lebanon war, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz announced his resignation.