Arab leaders warn Israel of withdrawing peace offer

Cairo: Top Arab officials are warning they could withdraw their landmark offer of peace and full ties with Israel in exchange for a return of Arab lands, unless Israel explicitly accepts the initiative.

The warnings reflect increasing Arab impatience with the long-stalled peace process with Israel. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal - whose country sponsored the peace initiative adopted by Arab nations in 2002 - warned that "despair would force us to review these options," including withdrawing the proposal.

He accused Israel of "sabotaging" the initiative, which is now "facing grave danger".

The head of the Arab League, Amr Mousa, said the Arabs "extended the hand of peace to Israel" but now face "unprecedented Israeli obstinacy".

"The key to solving Arab-Israeli issue is to hold serious negotiations, not fictitious ones," Mousa said.