International leaders gathered in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm A-Sheikh to discuss Iraq took the opportunity to review post-Arafat aspects of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
On Monday, members of the Quartet, the sponsors of the Road Map peace plan, including the U.S., United Nations, European Union and Russia, used the occasion to meet informally over breakfast to assess the latest developments and the opportunities now available to jump start the Road Map process.
Later in the day, the conference which brought them together got underway.
The 20 participating countries are seeking ways to foster international cooperation in rebuilding post-war Iraq. A draft communiqué has already been written in which the participants express strong support for the Iraqi interim government in its battle against insurgents.