Beilin, Sarid call for Palestinian state, return of refugees

Former Israeli justice Minster Yussi Beilin and Israeli Meretz movement leader Yussi Sarid underlined the importance of eliminating Jewish settlements from the Palestinian lands establishing an independent Palestinian state, guaranteeing the Palestinian refugees' right of return and resuming Palestinian- Israeli peace talks.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting with foreign minister Ahmed Maher, Sarid asserted that Israel must contribute, by withdrawing from the 1967 borders and dismantling Jewish settlements in the lands splitting Jerusalem to two Palestinian and Israeli capitals, to realize peace.

Commenting on Israeli negative responses to the secret document signed by sari Neseiba and Beilin because it disregarded the Palestinian refugees' right of return, Sarid hailed the document as constructive.

"The two sides understand they cannot win everything and must sacrifice to realize a final agreement', he said.

Maher described, on his part, his Sunday meeting with Beilin and Sarid as useful.

The general situation in Palestine and the Middle East as well as prospects of resuming peace talks were discussed, he added.

In statements following the meeting, Maher said he stressed to Beilin and Sarid the important role peace advocates and the peace now movement in Israel can play.

Talks took up the US peace efforts and the need to boost them, said the foreign minister.

Beilin and Sarid highlighted importance of the Egyptian role of president Hosni Mubarak, who enjoys the trust and confidence of all peoples of the region, Maher said.

On whether the efforts of Israeli peace advocates can salvage the peace process from the hard-line Israeli government, Maher asserted that the policy of violence and force would not achieve security to Israel.

The visit of Beilin and Sarid is a positive element because they represent the majority of the Israeli people who are hoping for peace and security, he added.

On ideas tabled by Beilin and Sarid, Maher said the two sides exchanged viewpoints, denying the presence of any "specific project".

Addressing the ongoing fuss about the Arab summit and its possible relocation, Maher reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to having it held in Beirut, Lebanon, in March.

There is no fuss but rather a proposal tabled to the Arab countries and if the majority decided differently this would be another issue, he added.

Asked whether they had floated any new ideas during their meeting with Maher, Sarid reaffirmed keenness on maintaining contacts with Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian peace-loving camps.

Sarid stressed that he and Beilin had turned down offers to join the Israeli coalition government, asserting they found out that their differences with the general tendency of the coalition were profound.

"we preferred to remain in the opposition ranks and we do not know the real intentions of Sharon," he said.

On optimism regarding the return to the negotiations table with Sharon in office, Sarid voiced conviction that if a state of an obvious calm prevailed in the occupied lands it would not be long before the Israeli government find itself obliged to resume the negotiations. There is calm now, he admitted.