Saudi to Israel: Return to 1967 borders

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The former Saudi ambassador to the United States says Israel must return to its pre-1967 borders as a precondition for talks with Saudi Arabia.

Prince Turki al-Faisal addressed the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington Thursday, The Washington Post reported.

"For us to take any steps toward any form of normalization with the Israeli state before these Arab lands have been returned to their rightful legitimate owners would undermine international law and turn a blind eye to immorality," he said.

Turki is a leading member of the Saudi royal family who has held important government and diplomatic posts. He received much of his education in the United States.

In his speech, Turki said Saudi Arabia since 2002 has demonstrated its willingness to engage Israel if it withdraws from the West Bank and Gaza and recognizes the rights of Arab refugees.

He also commented on U.S. politics, warning of a potential return of the "neo-conservative philosophy."

"This recent election will give more fodder for these warmongers to pursue their favorite exercise, war-making," he said.