AL concerns over Middle East peace process

The Arab League has expressed concern over the Israeli government backtracking regarding the Middle East peace process.

Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Zakaraya Ismael said Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's peace statements are vague. This contradicts the optimism that accompanied his election campaign.

Ismael regretted Barak's policy of maneuvering and his attempts to minimize the US role in the peace process to assume the role of "postman instead of real participant."

He continued that despite such changes the Arab position is still firm, clinging to Arab rights, namely regaining the occupied Arab territories and the rights of the Palestinians and enabling them to establish their own independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Ismael concluded by saying: "We have to wait for the visit of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the region."