Clinton meets Saudis on Israel

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Saudi Arabia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal doubts if Israel will give anything in exchange for a comprehensive settlement. His remark came after a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department.

The past week has seen a host of U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

First, it was special Mideast envoy George Mitchell visiting the region to press Israel to deal with the settlement issue in the West Bank...and now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has hosted the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia. Clinton urged the Arab nations to ease sanctions on Israel if it freezes settlements and helps bring about reconciliation.

Hillary Clinton said, "We've also asked the Arab states, including our friend's in Saudi Arabia to work with us to take steps to improve relations in Israel to support the Palestinian authority and to prepare their people to embrace eventual peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis,"

Saudi Arabia acknowledged the US efforts.

Foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said he was impressed by Washington's efforts and believe there is a chance for success.

Prince Saud al-Faisal said, "We are especially impressed by the President and the Secretary taking this issue at hand so early in the administration. This is a positive step that we think is going to lead hopefully to a breakthrough in the negotiations."

But the Saudi foreign minister also reminded the world that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignored U.S. calls to stop constructing Jewish settlements in the West Bank.