Jordan Times
Sunday, February 27, 2005
'Golden opportunity' for peace now — King
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah said there is now a "golden opportunity" for progress in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"I believe we have a golden opportunity on the
Israeli-Palestinian issue to move it forward," King Abdullah told a joint press
conference with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder after their talks in Berlin.
"We are optimistic at the good start that the Israelis and the Palestinians have
had." King Abdullah, who returned on Friday after a "very successful" official
tour of Spain, France, Britain and Germany, said he sensed during his talks with
the European leaders "understanding and support" for regional issues.
The Monarch reiterated that the Sharm El Sheikh summit was an important step
towards pushing the peace process forward, pointing out that the London
conference on Palestinian institution-building will be key to such efforts.
King Abdullah said at a ceremony held by the municipality of Hamburg that the
Palestinian and Israeli leaders showed commitment to peace.
"The next step is not words... but deeds and hard work and the courage to make
history. The friends of peace need our support," the King said, adding that
"there will be an important opportunity at the London conference next week. It
will focus on assisting Palestinian efforts to strengthen democratic
institutions and provide security.”
“There will also be economic discussions, to bring together development
resources, and give the Palestinians a new future of hope."
At the press conference, the King expressed appreciation for Germany's efforts
to help achieve peace in the region. "We are looking forward to the continuation
of its leading role within the EU to support efforts to achieve peace and
restore stability in Iraq," he said.
He also thanked Germany for its support for the Kingdom in various fields.
Schroeder highly valued Jordan's efforts to restore peace and stability to the
Middle East and implement reform and development plans in the Kingdom.
He said Jordan should keep playing a key role in the region.
On Iran's nuclear programme, the King said the US and EU should have a unified
vision on the way to deal with the issue.