But both Israel and the Arab States balked at specific settlement proposals. Since then. an Arab summit meeting was held at Khartoum and there have been signs of a change in attitude from some of the Arab States. The U.S. position calls for an end to the state of belligerency. the recognition of state sovereignty. justice for the refugee. free and innocent passage through international waterways. a limit to the arms race. multilateral agreement on the status of Jerusalem. and political independence and respect for the boundaries of all states involved. Israel has maintained its desire for direct negotiations with the Arab States. If direct negotiations prove impossible. the United States believes the U.N. can play a useful role as mediator.