Arab foreign ministers are gathered in Damascus to discuss efforts to revive Middle East peace talks and the U-S - led campaign against terrorism.
Arab League officials say the foreign ministers will evaluate the efforts of the European Union and the United States to revive the peace process. They are expected to call for the United States and European countries to exert greater pressure on Israel to end its blockade of the Palestinian territories.
Most Arab leaders have backed the U-S - led air strikes against terrorist suspect Osama bin Laden and his Taleban hosts, but they have said they would be opposed to extending the campaign to target Iraq or any other Arab country.
The Arab ministers were holding consultations on Saturday. The formal session will be held Sunday.