The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved on Wednesday a Russian-sponsored resolution to formally adopt the road map peace plan as a means of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel has strongly opposed Russia's move. For their part, the Palestinians expressed their satisfaction with the approval of the resolution.
Meanwhile, truce talks on Wednesday between Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei (Abu Ala) and representatives of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip were described as "positive" by a senior participant.
The meeting precedes a Egyptian-mediated summit slated for next weekend in Cairo.
Palestinian official Tayeb Abdel-Rahim, who is close to
Palestinian Authority president, Yasser Arafat, said "the meeting that Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Ala held with Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah and the representatives of other groups in the Gaza Strip in preparation for the imminent Egyptian-mediated meeting, was carried out in a positive and realistic atmosphere."
Abdel-Rahim noted, however, that the success of a cease-fire also depends upon Israel.
A delegation of Egyptian brokers had earlier Wednesday held a round of talks with leaders of Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, aiming to reach agreement on a fresh cease-fire with Israel. The group also met with Palestinian Authority officials. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
