Prince Turki stresses importance of Arab peace initiative

Prince Turki noted that the peace initiative, proposed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and approved by the Arab League in 2002, is based on the land-for-peace principle approved by international conferences in Madrid (1991) and Annapolis (2007), as well as United Nations Resolutions 242 and 338.

Insisting that the road for peace is very clear, Prince Turki advised Israel to end its provocative actions, including building settlements in the Occupied Territories. In order to achieve a fair and durable settlement of the conflict, he added, Israel should withdraw from all land occupied since 1967, accept a just solution for the problem of Palestinian refugees and recognize a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Prince Turki also discussed the peacemaking efforts of Saudi Arabia, noting that the Kingdom has always supported the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He said that the road to peace requires intensified diplomatic efforts and enhanced cooperation.

Prince Turki is the chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh.