Citizen Diplomats Offer Fresh Insights on Mideast

US Citizen Diplomats Offer Fresh Insights on Mideast Peace Process

In a unique exercise of citizen diplomacy, a delegation of six former American diplomats and private individuals has concluded a fact-finding tour of the Middle East, timed to precede the U.S.-sponsored Israeli-Palestinian peace conference set to begin Tuesday in Annapolis, Maryland.

Members of the group expressed their hope — and concern — about the Bush Administration's ability to broker an historic settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mohamed Elshinnawi prepared this report, read by Rob Sivak.

Ambassador Robert Keeley, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs led the group. The veteran diplomat and his five colleagues visited Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. They met with high-ranking officials in each country, as well as peace activists and leaders of non-governmental organizations.

Meeting with reporters back in Washington last week, Ambassador Keeley said they found a deep desire for peace among all the parties with whom they met and widespread concerns about America's role in brokering that peace.

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