Arabs support Middle East talks

Arab League ministers yesterday backed a US call for indirect Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, giving a boost to Washington's efforts to revive the moribund peace process.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had said he would adhere to the decision of the Arab League committee that met in Cairo.

Israel welcomed the move. "Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu has been calling for the resumption of talks for some time and we hope now that the talks can move forward," said spokesman Mark Regev.

Syria, a staunch opponent of Israel, said the decision was not agreed by consensus and said it appeared aimed at giving "political cover" for a Palestinian decision already taken.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.