Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) has written to Saudi King Abdullah urging him to assert a leadership role in the peace process.
"In recent years, as you have asserted Saudi diplomcy in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, I cannot think of a more important time for your commendable sentiment to be transformed into action," wrote Hastings. "Unfortunately, the public reaction of your government to President Obama’s request has been disappointing thus far. Rather than expressing willingness to break down barriers between Arabs and Israelis, your foreign minister asserted that Saudi Arabis could not take any step toward normalization before the return of all Arab land.
"Your counsel and strong leadership role has the capacity to lead the Middle East to a new era of reconciliation by stepping forward with a dramatic gesture toward Israel and peace in the region," he wrote.
The full letter can be read here.
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