Saudi FM calls for resumption of Middle East peace talks

Saudi Arabia has stressed the need to resume negotiations in the Middle East peace process from the point at which they broke off and the importance of Israel's implementation of UN Security Council resolution 425 that provides for unconditional Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon.

In a statement to the Saudi News Agency and Saudi television, following the conclusion of his meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini in Rome on Tuesday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said that the positions of Saudi Arabia and Italy are identical concerning the Middle East peace process. These positions, he added, are embodied in stressing the principles of the Madrid conference.

The importance of Israel's implementation of all agreements and obligations with all Arab sides and then resuming of negotiations with the Syrian side from the point they broke off, as well as Israel withdrawal from south Lebanon, unconditionally are paramount, he said.

In a similar statement, the Italian Foreign Minister expressed his country's hope to obtain a detente in the frozen Middle East peace process.

Concerning European - Iranian relations, the Italian foreign minister said that Iranian President Muhammad Khatami is encouraging openness with neighboring states and Europe.