Jordan Times
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
King urges continued US support for peace process
WASHINGTON (Agencies) — His Majesty King Abdullah
on Tuesday urged the US to continue to support the peace process, which is at a
sensitive stage with the shift to a Hamas-ruled Palestinian Authority (PA), the
Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
During a meeting yesterday with US Vice President Dick Cheney to discuss
developments in the Middle East and bilateral ties, the King stressed it was
important to proceed with the peace process in accordance with the roadmap,
which is the only route towards realising a permanent peace.
He also emphasised the importance of continued financial and economic support
for the PA so it can meet the needs of its institutions and provide the
Palestinian people with better living standards.
Talks between King Abdullah and Cheney also covered the situation in Iraq.
The King said he hoped the Iraqis succeed in forming a new and fully
representative government that would enhance the restoration of security and
stability to the country and preserves its unity and sovereignty.
King Abdullah also reviewed Jordan's development and reform programmes.
Earlier yesterday, King Abdullah met with US Secretary of Defence Donald
Rumsfeld.
Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and
stressed the importance of dealing with the new realities created by the Hamas
victory in the Palestinian elections.
The Monarch added that Jordan will deal with the new Palestinian government once
it is established and will continue dealing with the PA.
"His Majesty warned of the danger of abandoning the Palestinians at this
critical moment," the Jordanian embassy in Washington told the Associated Press.
In reiterating the need to respect the decision of the Palestinian people, the
King urged the international community to continue delivering aid to the
Palestinians.
He added that it was important not to disregard the new government before
reviewing its agenda.
King Abdullah, meanwhile, met yesterday with US officials to for talks on means
develop economic ties as well as challenges facing the Kingdom's economy.
At a meeting with US Secretary of Energy Samuel Wright Bodman, the King
highlighted the negative impact of the increase in international fuel prices on
the Jordanian economy and living standards.
The King called on the US to help Jordan find alternative energy resources.
In a separate meeting with US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and US Trade
Representative Rob Portman, King Abdullah discussed means to enhance commercial
ties between the two countries.
The King urged the US officials to accelerate reducing customs on Jordanian
commodities exported to the US in line with the Free Trade Agreement between the
two countries.
Minister of Industry and Trade Sharif Zu'bi, who was accompanying the King said
that Jordan's exports to the US last year stood at $1.3 billion compared to
around $15 million in 1999, before signing the agreement.