Saudi Arabia, Egypt back Annapolis summit

CAIRO, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The upcoming Middle East summit in the United States now has the support of both Saudi Arabia and Egypt, an Egyptian official has said.

Alalam Satellite TV reported Sunday that, according to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's spokesman, officials in both countries feel this month's summit in Annapolis, Md., could potentially limit hostilities between Israelis and Palestinians.

Spokesman Suleiman Awaad said following a recent meeting of Mubarak and Saudi King Abdallah, that the two leaders are prepared to actively support the upcoming talks.

"Egypt and Saudi Arabia are serious, and Mubarak and King Abdallah are very keen to make this conference successful because its success will eventually lead to the benefit of the Palestinian people and the rest of the region," Awaad said.

Leaders from Arab countries have been asking for assurances the Annapolis conference will truly yield positive results before they will commit to attending.

Alalam said that to ensure the summit's success, Mubarak and Abdallah are planning to meet Sunday with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir.