Jordan Times
Thursday, September 13, 2007
King discusses peace with
Abbas, Kouchner
AMMAN (Agencies) - Jordan and the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday reiterated
calls for placing Mideast final status issues on the agenda of the upcoming
US-proposed peace meeting, expected this fall.
At a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, His Majesty King Abdullah
renewed Amman’s support for the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to put final
status issues on the negotiating table.
The King said he will continue his communications with the Arab and foreign
countries to rally support to push the peace process forward.
His Majesty and Abbas said the international Mideast gathering, which US
President George W. Bush called for in July, offers a good opportunity to find a
just solution to the Palestinian issue.
Final status issues, especially the establishment of an independent Palestinian
state, should top the meeting’s agenda as a prerequisite to its success.
During the meeting, Abbas briefed the King on his talks Tuesday with King
Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where discussions covered the
developments in the Palestinian territories and the peace process.
Saudi Arabia also voiced reservations over the meeting, saying it might not
attend the gathering if final status issues were not discussed.
At a press conference Wednesday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal
indicated that his country might not attend the meeting if it is not going to
address issues of real substance, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Washington has hoped for Saudi Arabia to attend the gathering, but Arab
countries have been concerned the meeting will be symbolic without addressing
the toughest issues of the Arab-Israeli conflict - such as the status of
Jerusalem, borders and Palestinian refugees.
“The kingdom sees no benefit in any peace meeting or conference if it is not
comprehensive and if it doesn’t tackle major issues,” Prince Saud told
reporters.
“If the conference doesn’t provide these things, then the kingdom’s
participation is doubtful.”
Asked if Saudi Arabia has requested Washington to provide it with an agenda and
a participants’ list, Prince Saud said: “We asked about the agenda. We haven’t
received a response yet.”
Abbas also briefed King Abdullah yesterday on the outcome of his most recent
meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that took place in occupied
Jerusalem on Monday, where the two sides stressed their commitment to the
two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
At the meeting in Jerusalem, Abbas and Olmert also agreed on the release of a
new group of Palestinian prisoners during the holy month of Ramadan. They also
agreed to form a joint committee to draft the guidelines of an initial agreement
to settle the conflict.
Abbas thanked the King over aid Jordan sent to the West Bank and Gaza Strip to
provide the Palestinians with their needs of essential food items and help ease
the difficult living conditions they are going through.
In statements to the press following the meeting, Abbas said his meeting with
King Abdullah was part of the continued coordination between the two sides and
with other Arab countries.
Also on Wednesday, King Abdullah stressed the important role of France and the
EU in backing international efforts to restore security, stability and peace in
the region.
He made the remarks during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Bernard
Kouchner. The King called on the EU to provide all kinds of support to the
Palestinians to help alleviate their suffering through easing the harsh economic
conditions.
The King repeated his call that the international peace meeting address final
status issues.
For his part, the French minister, who is currently on a tour to the region,
reviewed his country’s efforts to activate the peace process.
Kouchner voiced appreciation for Jordan’s role in supporting efforts seeking to
move forward the peace process and enhance stability in the region.
The King and the French top diplomat also discussed several bilateral issues,
including the results of recent talks between the King and French President
Nicolas Sarkozy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdul Ilah Khatib also met with Kouchner and
discussed bilateral ties and means to enhance them. Talks also covered the
developments in the region and means to activate the peace process.
Kouchner, who was heading to Egypt after Jordan, is on his first major Middle
East tour since he was appointed foreign minister earlier this year and has
already visited Israel and the Palestinian territories.
At a press conference later yesterday, he said: “After three days in Palestine
and Israel, we have noticed, despite the difficulties, that positive elements
are emerging... and we will work with both sides for this to become a reality
ahead of the conference due in November.”