Zayed, Cheney discuss Mideast peace plan

President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan last night received a telephone call from U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, who briefed Sheikh Zayed on President George W. Bush's statement on the "roadmap" for Middle East peace.

Sheikh Zayed stressed the need to implement Bush's ideas and activating the American and international role to end the Arab-Israeli conflict in accordance with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz's peace initiative in the Middle East, to put an end to suffering of the Palestinians and helping them regain their legitimate rights.

Crown Prince Abdullah also discussed the Palestinian issue during a telephone conversation with Bush, the official SPA news agency reported.

Bush said yesterday that the long-delayed "roadmap" for Middle East peace will be published as soon as the Palestinians confirm the appointment of a prime minister.

"We expect that such a Palestinian prime minister will be confirmed soon. Immediately upon confirmation, the roadmap for peace will be given to the Palestinians and the Israelis," Bush said at the White House.

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat this week named Mahmoud Abbas to be prime minister. Abbas has not yet accepted the post.

In London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he had spoken by telephone to Arafat and Abbas and they had expressed hope Abbas could take office by early next week.

Bush also said that as progress is made towards peace, Jewish colony activity in the occupied territories must end.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot dead six Palestinians yesterday in a raid on their hideout in Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, raising to 11 the number of killings in less than 24 hours.