The U.S. is making a new push to kick-start the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that could include an international peace conference in Jordan at the end of the month, said a U.S. official and diplomats. However, such a meeting hinges upon whether a new Palestinian government will meet Quartet conditions to recognize Israel, renounce violence and abide by past agreements.
"When that (Palestinian) partner for peace is ready to work together with the rest of the international community, then many opportunities will present themselves," said a State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ministers from the U.S., Russia, Egypt, the Gulf states and others will be at the Dead Sea in Jordan on November 30 for an annual Middle East democracy and development meeting and the U.S. hopes an international peace conference could be held just before that event.
Assistant Secretary of State David Welch has been in Egypt and Jordan this week, laying the groundwork for revived peace talks if a new Palestinian government is in place. One Arab diplomat said the conference proposal was an "American idea" that was far from being agreed on, but he said Arab nations were eager for the U.S. to become "re-engaged" on the issue.
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