BEIJING, March 30 -- The Palestinian Liberation Organisation says it is ready to begin negotiations with the next Israeli government on the implementation of the Road Map peace plan.

    Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina made the remarks minutes after the announcement of exit polls in the Israeli election.

    Rudeina, who accompanied Abbas to Sudan for a two-day Arab summit, said Arab leaders have recommitted themselves to an Arab peace initiative and the Road Map plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

    "Well, we are ready to go into direct and immediate negotiations to implement the Road Map. If the Israeli government is ready, the PLO is ready. " Rudeina said.

    The road map plan - drawn up by the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations - envisages a Palestinian state and an Israeli state living in peace with each other.

    The Arab peace initiative, which was declared at the Arab summit of 2002, offers Israel full recognition within its 1948-67 borders in exchange for full withdrawal from Arab lands.

    Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has refused to deal with the incoming Palestinian Cabinet, as it is dominated by Hamas, a militant group that refuses to recognize Israel or renounce the use of violence.

    
    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)