Explaining the Arab Summit

March 28 -- The Arab League has concluded one of the most closely watched summits in its history amid some of the most turbulent days in the Middle East.

For the first time in the Middle East conflict, the Arab world come together and agreed on a peace plan, offering Israel normal relations in exchange for a withdrawal from occupied lands and recognition of a Palestinian state. ABCNEWS explains some of the summit's most important points.

What Is the Arab League Summit?

It is a two-day meeting that began on March 27 in Beirut, Lebanon. The Arab League is a voluntary association of 22 mainly Arabic-speaking entities. They are: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia. Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

What's So Important About It?

Attendees discussed a widely anticipated Middle East peace proposal from Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. It offered Israel peace and normal relations with all Arab states in exchange for full withdrawal from all territories seized in 1967 and an independent Palestinian state. Only the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan recognize Israel.

Who Attended?

Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are among the most prominent Arab leaders who attended. Several international figures, including U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, also visited the summit.

Who Did Not Attend?

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah were absent. Libya, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Sudan and Mauritania were all represented by lower level officials.

Why Was Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat Absent?

Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has imposed a travel ban on Arafat since December, accusing him of not doing enough to halt an 18-month uprising against Israeli occupation and isolating him at his headquarters in Ramallah. He said Arafat should call for a cease-fire before he traveled abroad, and that the Palestinian leader might not be allowed to return if there were terror attacks during his absence. Arafat rejected the conditions.