ARABS SET PRE-CONDITIONS FOR PEACE TALKS

...THEY WANT ISRAEL TO SURRENDER AND COMMIT SUICIDE FIRST.

PA Demands Sweeping Deal with Israel Before Conference - Khaled Abu Toameh and Mark Weiss
The Palestinians will only participate in the U.S.-sponsored peace conference next month if general agreement is first reached with Israel on all the fundamental issues, PA officials in Ramallah said Monday. In addition to the issues of Jerusalem, the borders of the future Palestinian state and the problem of the refugees, the PA was also seeking agreement on water, security and settlements.

One PA official said the Palestinians want a declaration of principles to include an Israeli commitment to withdraw to the pre-1967 borders. "When Condoleezza Rice was here lately, she told us that the U.S. administration was determined to turn the conference into a successful event. She also promised to exert pressure on Israel to soften its position," the official said. (Jerusalem Post)

Assad: Syria Won't Attend If Conference Doesn't Discuss Golan Heights
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the BBC his government will not attend a Middle East peace conference in November unless Syria's concerns regarding the return of the Golan Heights are addressed. (BBC News)

See also Syria Sets Conditions for Role in Peace Talks - Robin Wright
Assad's rejection could play into the Bush administration's preference that Syria not attend unless it moderates its position on several issues, U.S. analysts said. (Washington Post)