Pro-Israel lobby opens US meeting

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The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) - one of the most powerful pressure groups in Washington and one of the main reasons for America's support of Israel - is holding its annual policy conference in Washington DC.

The pro-Israel lobby group works to strengthen relations between the United States and Israel.

The New York Times describes it as "the most important organisation affecting America's relationship with Israel" and it is regularly ranked as one of the top three most powerful pressure groups in Washington DC.

Among the speakers at the conference which opens on Sunday will be Dick Cheney, the US vice-president, Nancy Pelosi, the house speaker and Tzipi Livni, Israel's foreign minister.

al Jazeera