The Socialist International's Council appealed Saturday for a "direct dialogue" between Israelis and Palestinians to end six weeks of violence.
"We appeal for direct dialogue between the two sides, which is essential," the council said in its final declaration after a two-day meeting here.
"The Socialist International invites both leaders of its member parties, (Israeli Prime Minister Ehud) Barak and (Palestinian leader Yasser) Arafat, to join the presidium of the International with a view to promoting and understanding an agreement," the statement said.
The International's president, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres, told reporters after the council meeting that both sides needed to concentrate on ending the violence.
"We urge both sides to focus efforts on a permanent end to the violence and restore a situation of normalcy as soon as possible," Guterres said.
"We will also encourage the immediate initiation of the work of the commission of inquiry decided at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit," he said.
After the summit in Egypt, Israelis and Palestinians agreed to a fact-finding mission into the cause of the clashes that have left 206 dead during the last six weeks.
The International represents 143 socialist, social democrat and labor parties -- MAPUTO (AFP)
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