(JTA) — Representatives of the Arab League’s Peace Initiative Committee expressed support for American efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday in Paris updated a ministerial delegation of the committee on the ongoing negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.
Kerry reiterated the commitment of the United States to pursuing intensive negotiations to end the conflict through a permanent status agreement, the State Department said Sunday.
“The delegation expressed its full support for the Secretary of State’s efforts and for the agreed upon nine-month timeline,” according to a statement released by the State Department.
The ministers also expressed concern over Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank as well as “unilateral Israeli actions in Jerusalem that create a negative environment,” according to the State Department.
“The delegation hopes that the ongoing direct permanent status negotiations will lead to a resolution that achieves a just and lasting peace through resolving all permanent status issues as a major step towards comprehensive Middle East Peace which will contribute to regional security and stability,” the statement said.
The ministerial committee included representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with the Arab League’s secretary-general.
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