AQABA, Jordan-- Peace activists from Jordan, Palestine and Israel started a meeting here Wednesday as part of their concerted efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. The meeting, hosted by the Arab Future Studies Center for Democracy and Peace, gathers 200 peace celebrities from the three countries who are trying to chart an action plan and mechanism for promoting the Arab peace initiative. They are also lobbying for the initiative among regional civil society institutions, the Jordanian News Agency (PETRA) reported.Addressing the meeting, chairman of the center Abdul-Salam Al-Majali reviewed the historical stages of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the developments of the Middle East peace process since 1991 Madrid Peace Conference. He asserted the importance of seizing the historic opportunity of the Arab peace initiative, adopted by the Arab leaders in Riyadh Summit late March. Al-Majali reminded the peace activists in Arab countries and Israel of their responsibility for promoting the initiative and realizing its targets. He urged for joint action to remove psychological barriers among the Middle East peoples, combat xenophobia and build confidence among them.
The two-day event includes panel discussions to exchange views on prospects of peace in the region.