Arabs say Palestinian right of return 'sacred'

Arab foreign ministers have ended their review of the US peace proposal by declaring the Palestinians' right of return "sacred".

Their decision leaves Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat little room to maneuver.

Mr Arafat had turned to the Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Cairo for support as he contemplated a US suggestion he surrender the right of Palestinian refugees now in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and elsewhere to return to homes in Israel.

In return, the Palestinians would gain control of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem.

Mr Arafat has reportedly accepted the formula as a basis for talks with Israel. But with positions hardening on either side, it is unclear how much progress could be made at any talks.

"I would like to point out that Lebanon has totally rejected the idea of resettling the Palestinian refugees (permanently) and insisted on the right of the Palestinians to return. We believe that this is a sacred right," Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa told reporters after the talks.

Mr Arafat had been expected to announce his response to the US proposals after the meeting. But he left without speaking to reporters. Mr Moussa said he could not say whether the Palestinians would return to the negotiating table.

A day earlier, an aide in Washington said Mr Arafat had conditionally accepted the US proposal after two meetings with President Clinton on Tuesday.

Mr Moussa said the foreign ministers also were concerned the Palestinians had not been assured full sovereignty over East Jerusalem and the city's Muslim holy sites.

He said Arabs wanted further clarifications from the Americans and that the issues of Jerusalem and the refugees took up most of Thursday's discussions.