Saudis make peace proposal

Saudi Arabia has contacted the United States and Iraq with a peace proposal, the Kingdom’s foreign minister told reporters on Tuesday. He said he was still awaiting a response.

Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal, asked at a news conference whether Saudi Arabia had been in direct contact with the US and Iraq in an effort to end the war, said: ‘‘We have made the proposal and we are waiting for a possible response.’’

He did not describe the proposal. Weeks ago, Saudi Arabia discreetly floated the idea Iraqi President Saddam Hussein should go into exile. ‘‘I don’t want to say we were rebuffed because we were not rebuffed, but nor were we given authorisation that they’re going with it,’’ Prince Saud said.