WASHINGTON, November 24 (WAFA) - The United States welcomed a decision by the Arab League follow-up committee to attend the Annapolis conference in Maryland in November 27th.

State Department spokesman Karl Duckworth said that indicated the U.S.-hosted meeting would be serious, adding that the Annapolis conference will show broad international support for the Israeli and Palestinian leaders' efforts and will be a launching point for negotiations leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state and the realization of Israeli-Palestinian peace.

"We welcome the decision by the Arab League follow-up committee to attend the Annapolis conference at the ministerial level. This is a signal they believe this will be a serious and substantive meeting," State Department spokesman Karl Duckworth said.