based Al-Nadwa said the efforts which aim at the activation of the peace process in the Middle East were reflected in the meeting held between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz and a number of other Arab leaders. "These efforts are likely to yield positive results," said the daily, noting the failure of the Israeli officials notably Premier Netanyahu to positively respond to peace efforts. The daily pointed out that what is currently circulated about the plans of the US administration to present a new initiative for conducting indirect negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel constitutes a start for an American movement in this regard, adding that Washington should put pressure on Israel until it positively responds to the current initiatives. The paper believes that failure of Israel to freeze its settlements in line with the request of the US administration, will further complicate the matter. It added that Mahmud Abbas, the Head of the Palestinian Authority, has refused to résumé talks without the commitment of Israel to freeze its settlements. --MORE
