Palestinian president wants Mideast brokers to push Israel to stop settlement construction

Abbas wants peace brokers to pressure Israel

SIRTE, Libya — Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is urging Mideast peace brokers to pressure Israel to stop settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Abbas said Saturday at a two-day Arab summit in Libya that Palestinians will not sign any peace agreement with Israel without the Jewish state ending its “occupation” of east Jerusalem.

The Palestinians are seeking strong Arab backing at the summit in the face of Israel’s plans to expand Jewish housing in east Jerusalem. They are asking for millions of dollars in funding for Palestinians living in that section of the city.

Arab leaders are also expected to discuss the West’s standoff with Iran over its nuclear program, the situation in Iraq and upcoming elections in Sudan.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SIRTE, Libya (AP) — The Arab League chief is urging the 22-nation bloc to engage Iran directly over concerns about its growing influence and its nuclear activities.

Amr Moussa presented his proposal to a two-day Arab League leaders summit in Sirte, Libya, that started Saturday. The proposal could undermine U.S. and Israeli efforts to isolate Iran.

Moussa’s engagement plan would involve a forum for regional cooperation and conflict resolution that would include non-Arab nations Iran and Turkey.

Turkish Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately endorsed the proposal at the summit.

The leaders are expected to discuss a range of regional issues, including stalled Middle East peace efforts.