King Mohammed receives Palestinian, Israeli former ministers

Morocco's King Mohammed VI received in the royal palace of Marrakesh former Palestinian information minister, Yasser Abed Rabbu, and former Israeli Justice minister, Yossi Beilin, the chief negotiators of the Geneva peace initiative.

During the audience, Abed Rabbu and Beilin handed the sovereign a copy of the initiative signed December 1st in the Swiss capital, and surveyed the elements of the plan, the reactions it has brought about in Palestine and Israel, and how it was welcomed in Arab states, European capitals and Washington, the royal office said in a release.

King Mohammed, chairman of Al Quds committee, VI renewed his support to the initiative, recalling that the kingdom has always backed any step liable to contribute to peace and reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis.

The sovereign also underlined the importance of the Arab initiative of Saudi Arabia and adopted by the latest Arab summit convened in Beirut, the release goes.

It is in this global context that the peace initiative must be viewed, king Mohammed VI said, stressing the innovating aspect of the plan, which is the fruit of Palestinians and Israelis' efforts alone.

Abed Rabbu and Beilin reiterated their gratitude to king Mohammed VI for the interest he grants their efforts and the support he has always brought to the cause of peace in the region.

The audience was attended by adviser to king Mohammed VI, Andre Azoulay, and minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohammed Benaissa.

Following the meeting, Yasser Abed Rabbu and Yossi Belin stressed in a statement to the press king Mohammed VI's support to their initiative, recalling how the sovereign sent a message of support to the Geneva conference dedicated to the peace plan.