India backs US-sponsored WA peace meet

Washington, Nov 28: India has joined Brasil and South Africa in calling upon the international community to support the US-sponsored Annapolis West Asia (WA) peace conference, in order to assist the peace dialogue between Israel and Palestine.

The representatives of the these three countries met during the conference which began here yesterday.Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, who is leading the Indian delegation, met Brasilian and South African Foreign Ministers Mr Amorin and Dr Zuma, at a working lunch here which was hosted by the Brasilian Foreign Minister.

The three leaders were of the view that the Annapolis Summit was a ''positive development that needs to be supported by the international community, in order to assist the peace dialogue between Israel and Palestine.'' Mr Sibal, who is accompanied by C Gharekhan, the Special Envoy for West Asia, had bilateral meetings with some counterparts from other developing countries.

He also met Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa and discussed the Israel-Palestine issue and regional developments in West Asia.

Mr Moussa gave his assessment of the Israel-Palestine dialogue, the role of the Arab League and related issues including developments leading up to the Annapolis conference.

India wants the international community to emphasise the need for resolving the Palestine-Israeli conflict through dialogue, consensus and mutual understanding, rejecting violence.

''Hopefully the parameters of the future course of action will be resolved at Annapolis allowing establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side, at peace with the State of Israel within secure and recognised borders,'' an Indian Embassy press release said.

UNI