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The Arab
Peace Initiative

FAQ

Q: What is the Arab League?

A: The Arab League was formed in 1945 to coordinate relations between predominantly Arab states. It is the preeminent pan-Arab body.

Q: What are the differences between the Saudi and Arab League Initiative?

A: The two are the same. The Arab League accepted the Saudi Initiative in full following discussions, in its Beirut summit of 28 March 2002.

Q: Is Syria involved?

A: Yes, Syria has signed on fully to the initiative as a member state of the Arab League, confirming its adherence to the agreement in February 2007. All predominantly Arab states are signatories.

Q: What does the Israeli government say about the Initiative?

A: Then Israeli premier Ariel Sharon rejected the Initiative in 2002 and in the Road Map agreements of 2003.

Current Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has shown greater interest: “We must treat the Saudi initiative, especially its positive elements, seriously."

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has praised the Initiative while expressing concern at its reference to UN Resolution 194, which addresses the Palestinian refugee issue.

Q: What does the Initiative say about the Palestinian refugee problem?

A: The Arab League Peace Initiative speaks of a "just solution" to the Palestinian refugee issue on the basis of UN General Assembly Resolution 194. Nevertheless, it was made clear in the Beirut discussions that this issue would be subject to negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel.

Q: What is the US position on the Initiative?

A: The Saudi initiative was welcomed "carefully" by President George W. Bush and then-Secretary of State Colin Powell in 2002. US officials engaged in simultaneous talks with Saudi National Security Advisor Prince Bandar bin Sultan and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on the Initiative in early March 2007.

Q: What is the difference between the Arab League Initiative and the Road Map?

A: The Road Map is a phased bilateral agreement signed, but not honored, by Israel and the Palestinians in 2003. The Arab League Initiative is a completely separate multilateral offer that does not rely on phases and promises full peace with all Arab states.

Q: How will the Arab League Initiative succeed where bilateral talks have failed?

A: Because it is not subject to undermining external factors. All Arab states are fully involved and all conflicts are addressed at the same time making it impossible for dissenting governments or organizations to undermine the talks.

Q: Is the Mecca Accord related to the Arab League Initiative?

A: No. In the February 2007 Mecca Accord Saudi Arabia won the support of Hamas and Fatah for the formation of a Palestinian unity government as a means to end the developing Palestinian civil war. The Arab League Initiative is unrelated.