Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Jordan, Qatar urge resumption of Middle East peace talks

AMMAN (JT) — Jordan and Qatar on Monday urged the resumption of Middle East peace talks and called on Israel and the Palestinian National Authority to fully implement the agreements they have signed, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Prime Minister Faisal Fayez, who returned home later yesterday at the conclusion of a Gulf tour that also took him to Kuwait and the UAE, met in Doha with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani for talks on latest developments in the region, particularly in Iraq and Palestine.

On Iraq, the two sides underlined the need to put an end to violence in the war-ravaged country, urging the Iraqi people to take part in the upcoming elections that will pave the way for the drafting of a new constitution.

Fayez pointed out that Jordan is concerned with restoring security and stability in Iraq so the Iraqis can be empowered to build their security, military and political institutions as a prelude for the departure of the occupation forces.

Fayez added that Jordan views the security of the Gulf states as part of the Kingdom's security.

The premier reiterated Jordan's call for non-interference in Iraq's internal issues. Fayez repeated remarks he made in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi in which he stressed Jordan's rejection of all forms of extremism.

The two sides also agreed on the need to continue coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.

Also Monday, Fayez met with Qatar's Second Deputy Prime Minister of Energy and Industry Abdullah Ben Hamad Attiyah to discuss bilateral issues and means to bolster them.


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