Jordan Times
Sunday, April 4, 2004
King urges Arabs to hold 'intensive' consultations
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday discussed with Bahraini Monarch Hamad Ben Isa Al Khalifa preparations to hold the Arab summit and the latest developments in the Middle East.The King, who arrived in Manama for a two-day visit, urged Arab countries to hold “intensive” consultations among each other to help ensure a successful summit that would produce Arab solidarity-enhancing resolutions.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of setting a new date for the summit, which, they said, should be held as soon as possible. They also expressed hope that the upcoming summit would support joint Arab action and increase cooperation among the Arabs. In a related development, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher yesterday received a telephone call from his Syrian counterpart Farouk Al Sharaa to discuss the summit, according to AFP.
King Abdullah and the Bahraini leader, meanwhile, discussed the situation in Palestine and the consequences of the continued Israeli practices against the Palestinians. They stressed the need for an Arab and international stand to break the cycle of violence and put the peace process back on track. They denounced Israel's threats to target the life of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, stressing that any such attempts violate international conventions and is likely to fuel the violence in the Palestinian territories and regional tension.
King Abdullah was accompanied by HRH Prince Faisal, Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah. Prince Ali Ben Nayef was sworn in as Regent.