Arab League slams Israeli proposals to withdraw from Lebanon

Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdul Meguid said the statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu suggesting holding a new conference for the peace process are a new Israeli maneuver and an attempt by Netanyahu to evade his responsibilities.

Abdul Meguid said the Madrid conference set firm rules and principles, including the land for peace formula.

In Riyadh, the AL assistant secretary general for political affairs, Zakaria Ismael, said the Israeli proposal concerning withdrawal from south Lebanon is a maneuver aimed at separating the Syrian and Lebanese peace tracks.

In a statement to the Saudi daily Okaz published on Sunday Ismael said the Israeli proposal is not acceptable, adding that Israel is not sincere in its desire for the peace that is being demanded by the international community.