JERUSALEM, FEB. 27, 2002 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican missionary agency Fides welcomed Saudi Arabia’s historic peace initiative for the Holy Land as a “ray of hope.” Crown Prince Abdullah, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, is prepared to normalize relations with Israel, on behalf of the entire Arab world, if it makes peace with the Palestinians, including a full withdrawal from the West Bank in compliance with international resolutions.
JERUSALEM, FEB. 27, 2002 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican missionary agency Fides welcomed Saudi Arabia’s historic peace initiative for the Holy Land as a “ray of hope.”
Crown Prince Abdullah, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, is prepared to normalize relations with Israel, on behalf of the entire Arab world, if it makes peace with the Palestinians, including a full withdrawal from the West Bank in compliance with international resolutions.
“The Saudi peace initiative could mark a turning point in Middle East history,” Fides said. “Since its creation, the state of Israel has always dreamed of being recognized by all Arab nations as a legitimate ‘neighbor.'”
In any event, the initiative “serves to lighten the very heavy atmosphere at present in the Middle East. Many hope world political leaders and diplomats will welcome and pilot the plan,” Fides concluded.
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