LOC22:51
19:51 GMT
AQABA, Jordan, May 16 (KUNA) -- Peace activists from Jordan, Palestine and
Israel started a meeting here Wednesday as part of their concerted efforts to
promote peace in the Middle East.
The meeting, hosted by the Arab Future Studies Center for Democracy and
Peace, gathers 200 peace celebrities from the three countries who are trying
to chart an action plan and mechanism for promoting the Arab peace initiative.
They are also lobbying for the initiative among regional civil society
institutions, the Jordanian News Agency (PETRA) reported.
Addressing the meeting, chairman of the center Abdul-Salam Al-Majali
reviewed the historical stages of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the
developments of the Middle East peace process since 1991 Madrid Peace
Conference.
He asserted the importance of seizing the historic opportunity of the Arab
peace initiative, adopted by the Arab leaders in Riyadh Summit late March.
Al-Majali reminded the peace activists in Arab countries and Israel of
their responsibility for promoting the initiative and realizing its targets.
He urged for joint action to remove psychological barriers among the Middle
East peoples, combat xenophobia and build confidence among them.
The two-day event includes panel discussions to exchange views on prospects
of peace in the region. (end)
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