EGYPT TO HOST PEACE SUMMIT NEXT WEEK

Egypt to host Israel-Palestinian talks next week
JERUSALEM - In a bold initiative, Egypt summoned the leaders of Israel, the Palestinians and Jordan on Wednesday to a long-awaited summit next week, and they agreed to attend.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak offered to host Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik. Abdullah, whose country is a peace partner with Israel, is a fervent supporter of a negotiated Palestinian-Israeli settlement. He accepted the invitation Wednesday, a senior Jordanian official said Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

The Egyptian and Jordanian presence would signal Arab support for any agreements Abbas might reach with Sharon. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia said the Palestinians hope the summit will produce a mutual cease-fire, a halt to Israel’s targeted killings of militants and the release of Palestinian prisoners.