国际英语新闻:Arab League chief, UN coordinator discuss developments in Palestine, Israel

CAIRO, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Aboul-Gheit and UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland discussed on Tuesday the developments in Palestine and Israel in light of the upcoming elections in the two countries.

During a phone conversation, Aboul-Gheit and the new UN envoy exchanged views on the recent developments in the region ahead of major Palestinian and Israeli elections in the coming months, the AL said in a statement.

The Palestinians are scheduled to hold legislative elections on May 22, followed by presidential elections on July 31, while Israel will hold parliamentary elections on March 23.

Aboul-Gheit briefed the UN official on the outcomes of the recent meeting of Arab foreign ministers, who asserted that the Palestinian cause is a central axis for joint Arab action in the next stage.

During their emergency meeting on Feb. 8, the Arab foreign ministers affirmed that the Palestinian issue is central to all Arab countries, while expressing their support to the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, Aboul-Gheit highlighted the importance of the recent reconciliation talks held by Palestinian factions in the Egyptian capital Cairo, adding that the AL supports the path of Palestinian reconciliation.

He noted that achieving national reconciliation and renewing Palestinian legitimacy will strengthen the Palestinian stance in any future peace negotiations with Israel.

The AL chief also appreciated the UN envoy's condemnation of the Israeli settlement expansion which he said will eliminate the chance of achieving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.