Sarid: Israel's attacks as "terrorist"

Israeli opposition leader Yossi Sarid, Leader of Meretz Party, voiced hope that negotiations would be resumed between the Palestinian and Israeli sides as soon as possible, either in Washington or in the area. "This would restore stability and security to the Middle East region," said Sarid.

In statements to the Egyptian TV Friday, Sarid described the Saudi initiative adopted by the Beirut summit Thursday as "constructive and good".

He added that "we back this initiative since the beginning and negotiations between the two sides could bring this initiative to the light."

Sarid further noted that the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian people are "terrorist and serious", adding that the Palestinians are undergoing pressures by the Israeli side in a dirty war.

"Notwithstanding, the decisions taken by the Israeli government are very serious and will not positively tone down violence," he said.

"We, as opposition, are trying to raise our voices to object to these acts and aggression perpetrated by the Palestinian people," said Sarid.

"We call on the Americans since the return of US peace envoy Anthony Zinni to take a balance stance but unfortunately the situation has deteriorated into a cauldron," he added.

He urged the United States to send an international force to separate the Israeli and Palestinian forces so that the US stance would be more effective amidst what is going on now.

He pointed out that the presence of an international mission represents an important element in the efforts to halt violence in the region and they will not protect the Palestinians only but the Israeli side as well.