Q: How do you view the recent efforts between Syria and Israel to reach a peace agreement between the two countries, do you expect any success for these efforts? A: "The peace march began optimistically at Madrid conference. The Arab countries participated in the conference, hoping that it would be a successful beginning for bringing about peace in the region on the bases and principles of the international legitimacy and its decisions, and the land-for-peace principle approved by the Madrid conference. But, the Israeli intransigence was behind missing the peace opportunities, one after the other. The Israeli practices constituted a thwarting element for the Arabs because the other party has failed to appear as serious. As I said before, all Arab countries have adopted the Arab peace initiative which has enjoyed a great international support, and the success of any effort to bring about peace depends on the seriousness of the Israeli side." Q: Do you expect a quick American withdrawal from Iraq may lead to a big void and a civil war which is worse than the existing situation? A: "We, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, feel painful to what is taking place in Iraq, and taking into account our Arab responsibility and humanitarian duties to ease the sufferings of the Iraqis, we have been supporting any effort which may contribute to restoration of security and prosperity to Iraq. As regards, the American forces stationed in Iraq, their presence or withdrawal as well as the presence and withdrawal of the other forces of the international alliance is a matter that concerns the Iraqi people ad government. Guaranteeing the stability and security of Iraq as well as preserving its sovereignty, independence, national unity and its Arab entity is a necessity for the security, stability and prosperity of the region.--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/562167