Cairo, (SANA)  - The Arab Peace Initiative Committee reiterated its firm stance that Israeli steps regarding building new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories including East Jerusalem demonstrate Israel's rejection of peace efforts, calling for stopping settlements before any indirect or direct negotiations.

The Committee held a meeting at the level of permanent representatives Wednesday evening at the Arab League headquarters to discuss the dangerous repercussions of the Israeli authorities decision on building new settlements.

SANA correspondent in Cairo was informed that the Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa hailed Syria's stance on the indirect Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, describing it as a "correct stance" to reject the committee's statement on going to indirect negotiations, particularly it was clear from the beginning that the Israeli stance will not change.

Syria's Permanent Envoy to the Arab League Youssef Ahmad stressed the necessity of commitment to the stances adopted by the committee in November 2009 on stopping settlements and not to make further concessions without any American or international guarantees.

Sources said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Envoy pointed out that Syria's proposal about the situation is sufficient and comprehensive, calling for adopting a real Arab stance towards the Israeli rigidity.

Member countries in the Arab Peace Initiative Committee are Syria, Algeria, Tunisia, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Yemen as well as envoys of the UAE, Oman and Kuwait participated in the meeting which was chaired by Qatar's envoy.

Fadi Allafi .Mazen Eyon