James Robin, the spokesman for the US State Department, said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, had reviewed with US State Secretary Madeline Albright a number of topics including the peace process in the Middle East and developments in the situation in the region. The remarks of Robin, who accompanied Albright during her visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, came at a press meeting here on Monday evening. Asked if there were new American proposals pertaining to the peace process in the Middle East, Robin said the visit of Albright to the Middle East aims at tackling the important issues that might pave the way for a framework agreement for the Palestinian/Israeli negotiations on the final situation by mid February, 2000. He noted that this issue includes a number of difficult problems including the problems of Jerusalem, the borders, water and the refugees.
Robin reiterated that Albright will discuss such issues during her visit to Syria and Palestine with a view to reaching a framework agreement. Albright is keen on exploring constructive ideas relating to these difficulties, he said. Robin pointed out that the US administration believes that it is essential to proceed on the Syrian-Israeli track and to try to reach positive results when the talks are resumed. 'The issues include peace, security arrangements and the timing of the implementation of these security arrangements', he said, noting that these difficult topics require serious work by both Syria and Israel. He reiterated the determination of the USA to press on as long as it believes that positive results are achievable. On the Palestinian/Israeli track, Robin said; 'There is a lot more work required here'. He noted that Albright is worried and anxious about the possibility of failure in the implementation of the earlier agreement, including the handing over of territories to the Palestinian authority, release of the prisoners, security co-operation and the opening of a secure passage. 'She is also worried by the slowdown in negotiations on these issues', he noted.
Robin emphasized the opposition of Washington to Israeli settlement activity because it believes such activity might undermine the final negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. This issue is a matter of concern for the Saudi and American sides, he said and added; 'It is high time for the Palestinians and the Israelis to work for the resolution of such difficulties by an exchange of views designed to reach the desired goals'. Robin pointed out that the Saudi and American sides had reiterated the possibility of realization of peace in the region and noted the willingness of the governments of the region to go along the path of peace to initiate a new era in the region. Robin said Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz had urged the USA to take the opportunity to work for a final and durable settlement.
Robin said the Saudi and American sides had reviewed the desire of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join the World Trade organization (WTO) and added that Albright wished Riyadh not to give up its plans to join WTO as a result of developments at the recent WTO's meeting in Seattle. 'Albright has emphasized the Washington's support for the ambitions of the Kingdom to join WTO', he said.
Robin said the Iraqi issue had been discussed with King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. He noted that the two sides have identical views on the importance of improving conditions for the Iraqi people. 'The sanctions imposed on Iraq do not preclude extending assistance to the Iraqi people', he said, and added; 'The two sides agree not only on the importance of persuading Iraq to comply with the Security Council's resolutions, but also on the importance of providing Iraq with more food and medical supplies'. Robin reiterated that sanctions on Iraq would continue as long as Iraq failed to co-operate.
On the Saudi/Iranian relations, Robin said such relations are a matter for discussion amongst the countries of the region. He reiterated that Washington aims at normalization of its international relations with Iran but added that, so far, direct contact between the two countries has not taken place.
Source: SPA