Jordan Times
Sunday, January 11, 2004
King, Saudi leaders hold Mideast talks
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday met separately in Riyadh with Saudi King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah for talks on bilateral ties and the Middle East situation.The King and Prince Abdullah underlined the serious situation in the occupied territories in light of Israel's escalated repressive practices, construction of the separation barrier in the West Bank, assassinations and incursions in Palestinian towns and villages, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
They stressed the need for extensive Arab efforts to push forward the peace process and support an Arab peace initiative endorsed in Beirut two years ago.
Both sides agreed that the separation wall “undermines prospects for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and threatens Jordan's national security.”
On Iraq, the King and Prince Abdullah emphasised the need to preserve Iraq's territorial integrity and urged accelerated efforts to empower the Iraqi people and help them install a national government.
The King, who arrived home later Saturday, also discussed with Prince Abdullah means to enhance bilateralties.
The King was accompanied by his Private Adviser and Personal Envoy HRH Prince Ghazi Ben Mohammad, Prime Minister Faisal Fayez, Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Ahmad Hilayel.
Muasher is expected to follow up on issues raised during the King's talks in Riyadh next month.