Prince Saud said "It is also essential that Israel implement such steps as the freezing of all settlement activities, the dismantling of settlement outposts, the releasing of prisoners, the halting of the construction of the wall, the removal of Israeli checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the lifting of the siege imposed on the Palestinian people. These steps must be seriously implemented on the ground if the final status negotiations are to succeed. Saudi Arabia is committed to promoting peace in the Middle East. It was never on the sidelines, where peace was concerned. Over the years our leaders have proposed serious initiatives to end the conflict. Lives must be spared, and hope must replace despair. Our region must be kept from sliding into turmoil and chaos. The Middle East has the capacity of becoming a haven in which all the children of Abraham can live normal and prosperous lives, free of fear and insecurity.--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/503968