WASHINGTON, June 9, 2007 (WAFA) - A new draft resolution co-sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans is currently underway in the US Senate calling for a two state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the appointment of a new peace envoy to the Middle East.

The resolution reiterates the senates commitment to a "true and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the establishment of two states, the State of Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, with recognized borders."

It also calls on the US President George W. Bush to "consider appointing a Special Envoy for Middle East who has held cabinet rank or is equally qualified, with extensive knowledge of foreign affairs in general and the Middle East region in particular."

Behind the early stage of this draft resolution are five Democrat Senators, Dianne Feinstein, Christopher Dodd, Max Baucus, Robert Byrd, Sheldon Whitehouse, in addition to three Republican Senators, Richard Lugar, Chuck Hagel, and John Sununu.

The draft resolution applauds the peace initiative re-adopted by the League of Arab States earlier this year, asking Palestinian and Israeli leaders to "embrace efforts to achieve peace and refrain from taking any actions that would prejudice the outcome of final status negotiations."

Furthermore, the draft calls on US administration to "pursue a robust diplomatic effort to engage the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, begin negotiations, and make a two-state settlement a priority."

Four of these senators are ranking members in the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, giving this draft a large chance to get pass this committee and placed for vote in the Senate within two weeks.

"A just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, and a comprehensive Arab Israeli peace agreement, is in the national interest of the United States, " said Senator Feinstein commenting on this new initiative.

While both Senators Lugar and Dodd linked the timing of the resolution to the 40th anniversary of theS ix Day War between Arabs and Israelis in June 1967.

"There will be no stability or security in the Middle East until all parties reach a higher ground of resolution based on common interests," concluded Senator Hagel.

This step coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's visit to Washington on June 19 and the ongoing talks between Israeli and US officials about the revival of the peace process in the Middle East.

A.D (22.38P) (19.38GMT)