Compromise fears over Jerusalem

Mr Mubarak visited Saudi Arabia's King Fahd

The future of Jerusalem continues to be the main sticking-point in the Middle East peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

But it is not just the Israeli people who are worried about how far a potential compromise could go.

There is widespread concern in the Arab world that Palestinians are under pressure to give too much away, says the BBC correspondent in Cairo, Caroline Hawley,

Jerusalem is believed to have been the main focus of discussions during a previously unscheduled visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday by the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak says support for peace is strong

It follows a visit to Egypt on Saturday by the Jordanian foreign minister. Again, Jerusalem was the main topic for discussion.

Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia regard Arab East Jerusalem as Israeli-occupied territory, and the head of the Arab League, Ismet Abdelmagid, has said that Jerusalem is not just a Palestinian issue.

One Egyptian newspaper, al-Ahram, has warned that history would condemn anyone who, in its words, let himself be seduced into signing an agreement giving up Arab rights in Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, our correspondent in Tel Aviv says many Israelis are worried by what the outcome of the peace talks will be.

Opinion polls show the public does support the talks taking place, but they do not want to compromise over Jerusalem.

Those opposed to the talks have made their views clear.

Last week more than 100,000 protesters gathered on Rabin Square to protest against the negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has said the majority of people support peace. But so far at least, no-one is out demonstrating for it.