Thursday, February 10 2005 13:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Hailing the decision by Israeli and Palestinian leaders to end violence, India today (Feb 10, 2005) said that it looked forward to a peaceful solution to the West Asia conflict within a "reasonable timeframe".

"We look forward to further progress in the peace process that would bring about a just and peaceful solution within a reasonable timeframe, leading to a sovereign, independent State of Palestine with well-defined and secured borders, living at peace with the State of Israel," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said in New Delhi.

He said that India has consistently urged an end to violence from all sides and the "significant" meeting in Sharm-el-Sheikh in Egypt on February 8 between the leaders of Israel and Palestine after a gap of about four years "is an important step in the resumption of the Israel-Palestine peace process and deserves the support of the international community".

Terming as "encouraging" the statements made by Israeli and Palestinian leaders, he said, "However, a number of important issues remain to be addressed."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas had announced the end of four years of violence at a landmark summit in Egypt, setting the stage for a full-scale revival of the peace process.

Palestinians agreed to end anti-Israeli actions and Israel said that it would simultaneously cease its military operations against the Palestinians in all areas.

The summit, the first between Israeli and Palestinian leaders for over four years, comes amid a growing rapprochement after the moderate Abbas's election a month ago and a new commitment by the United States to seek Middle East peace.