New Internet-based peace petition launched

WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- A new Internet-based initiative was launched Thursday encouraging Americans to support U.S. commitment in achieving a two-state solution in the Middle East.

Dozens of leaders from all walks of American life gave their support to the new drive called The Campaign For American Leadership in the Middle East - CALME. Among them were former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Laurence Eagleburger; former Secretary of Defense William Cohen; Columbia University President Lee Bollinger, as well as Arab-American and Jewish-American leaders.

"Now more than ever it is clear in a post 9/11 world, that the resolution of this conflict is in the direct national security interest of the United States as well as both parties," said Gen. Joseph Ralston, former commander of NATO forces, at a news conference announcing the initiative.

Following the news conference CALME launched e-mail to over 150,000 Americans urging them to go their Web site and sign the open letter to President Bush.