World leaders to push for Mideast peace

JERUSALEM, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Several world leaders, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, plan to visit Israel and the West Bank in an effort to advance the peace process.

The International Middle East Media Center said Saturday the group will arrive in Israel Monday, but will not visit the Gaza Strip during the trip.

The center said the visit is aimed at trying to push U.S. President Barrack Obama's peace policy forward, and encourage Israel and the Palestinians to advance toward peace and reconciliation.

Group members participating in the visit are all members of the Elders Organization. Besides Carter, they include former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Irish President Mary Robinson, and businessmen Richard Branson of Britain and Jeff Skoll of the United States, the center said.

The delegation hopes to meet with Israel's President Shimon Peres, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salaam Fayed, as well as other Palestinian and Israeli officials, the center said.

The Elders are independent world leaders who offer their experience in building peace and address major causes concerning human suffering, the center said. It was formed in 2007 by Branson, former South African President Nelson Mandela and British rock musician-songwriter Peter Gabriel.