UN security council resumes close- door consultations on ME

The UN security council on Friday afternoon resumed its close door meeting on the Middle East, while the UN and Israel were holding talks on the question of the fact- finding team, regarding the events which took place in the Palestinian Jenin camp in the West Bank.

On the other hand, President Bush said on Friday that it is right time for Israel to complete its withdrawal from the Palestinian areas it had occupied. Bush told journalists in his farm in Texas there was some progress and it is time now to complete the matter.

President Bush's statements came just one day after his meeting with the Saudi crown prince Abdullah. Bush said he had informed crown prince Abdullah on Thursday that all sides in the Middle East have to shoulder the responsibility for attaining peace and that Washington is committed to Israel's security. President Bush added that I have informed the crown prince that "we have unique relations" with Israel and that there is one thing the whole world should know that we will not permit the crushing of Israel.