Jerusalem plan called dangerous

Jerusalem plan called dangerous by  Ghazanfar Ali Khan | Arab News

RIYADH: Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal yesterday called an Israeli plan to demolish Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem and surround the city with Jewish-controlled sites "dangerous and provocative." Lauding US efforts to relaunch the Middle East peace process, Prince Saud called on Israel to freeze all demolition orders against Palestinian homes, something that has become a cause for growing international concern. Addressing a joint news conference with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen here, Prince Saud backed the Arab peace initiative and called for the immediate revival of the Middle East peace process. His Dutch counterpart echoed similar views. "The Arab peace initiative is the pillar for restoring a comprehensive peace in the Middle East ... The Netherlands firmly believes in the two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," said Verhagen. Referring to the need for immediate efforts to defuse the deadlock, Prince Saud said: "The talks to bring the Middle East peace process back on track would be difficult if Israel does not adopt a moderate position and if Mr. Netanyahu continues with his policy of extremism." Verhagen, who spoke on a range of regional and international issues during the press briefing, was received by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Monday night. The Dutch minister also held talks with Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Al-Naimi and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Higher Education to promote cooperation in science and education. About 70 Saudi students will be sent to the Netherlands for higher studies this year under the MoU. The Dutch minister, who briefly touched on human rights issues with special reference to Saudi Arabia, commended the efforts of King Abdullah on this front. He also met with President of the Human Rights Commission Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban yesterday. Speaking in this context, Prince Saud said that human rights and its adherence is a global issue that must be practiced and complied with by all nations.