Olmert invites Abdullah to talk broader peace

Ehud Olmert invited Jordan’s king to visit Israel to advance talks on
an Arab peace initiative.Jordan did not formally respond to the
invitation, made Friday, but Reuters quoted palace officials as saying
Abdullah II was “ready to engage in any effort that helps to bring
about the success of the Arab initiative and the setting up of a
Palestinian state.” The Arab League this year revived a 2002 peace plan
offering regional peace for an Israeli withdrawal to pre-1967 borders
and a solution to the Palestinian refugee issue. Jordan and Egypt, the
only two Arab countries to make peace with Israel, were asked to
explore the issue with the Jewish state. Israel until recently had said
it would not consider the proposal unless it was clear that it did not
include a “right of return” to Israel for refugees and their millions
of descendants. Under U.S. prodding, however, Olmert has said he sees
possibilities in the proposal.