UN chief in Saudi Arabia to bolster regional peace

JEDDAH: 24 July 2014

UN chief Ban Ki-moon arrived in Jeddah late on Wednesday for talks with Saudi leaders, reiterating his call for Israel and Hamas to end the violence in Gaza.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah earlier held talks in Jeddah with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on major regional and international issues, including the latest developments in Palestine following Israel’s brutal aggression on Gaza.

According to an official statement carried by Saudi Press Agency, the two leaders also discussed prospects of expanding cooperation between the two GCC countries.

A Doha-based source told Reuters that the primary purpose of the emir’s visit was to find a way to reach a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.

“Qatar is committed to the Palestinian people and wants to do everything to stop the killing,” said the source. “The Emir’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes as part of that,” he said.

On Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Sheikh Tamim in Doha and stressed the unity of the Palestinian people.

Officials from Abbas camp told Reuters that their conditions were aligned with those of Hamas.

The outcome of Sheikh Tamim’s talks in Jeddah was yet to be revealed but a Saudi source familiar with the matter told Reuters Saudi Arabia would insist on Egypt’s historic role in the Palestinian issue.

Qatari Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Attiyah said on Sunday Qatar’s role was just to facilitate communication.

“Qatar is helping us in communicating our message, that’s all it is,” said a Doha-based Hamas source.

King Abdullah discusses Gaza violence with Qatar emir

JEDDAH: 23 July 2014

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah met with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Jeddah on Tuesday and discussed developments in Gaza, where 630 Palestinians have died after 15 days of violence between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced.

The two leaders discussed aspects of cooperation between the two countries in addition to the latest developments at Islamic, Arab and international arenas, particularly the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, SPA said.

The audience was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, minister of interior; as well as Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir Al Khalifa, Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister; Sheikh Jawan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, director of Qatari Emir's Office, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatari ambassador to the Kingdom.

Egypt has proposed a cease-fire in Gaza followed by indirect talks.

But Hamas has said it would not accept the Egyptian proposal, insisting instead on firm commitments first to end Israel’s eight-year blockade of the coastal enclave.

Hamas has also sought a role for Turkey and Doha in the efforts to reach a truce.

UN chief Ban Ki-Moon stopped in Doha on Monday as he began a regional tour to push for a cease-fire in Gaza.