Jordan Times
Monday, October 25, 2004
King, Mubarak discuss Mideast
developments
Agencies
His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday said it was important for all influential
parties to attend an international conference on Iraq in Egypt next month, the
Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
King Abdullah was speaking at a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in
Aqaba. They discussed the Nov. 22-23 conference to be held in Sharm El Sheikh.
The conference, which Washington initially wanted it to be held before the Nov.
2 US presidential election, will be held at ministerial level, with Iraq saying
it will be represented by its interim government, Agence France-Presse said.
Others expected to attend would be leaders from Iraq's neighbouring countries,
including Jordan, the Group of Eight leading industrialised countries, the UN,
the Arab League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.
France said the conference should be open to all who are prepared to give up
violence and that it should discuss the continued US-led military presence in
the war-battered country, according to AFP.
King Abdullah also reiterated that Iraq's elections scheduled to take place in
January “should include all Iraqi regions and represent all Iraqi factions,”
Petra said.
The King and Mubarak agreed “the international community must bear its
responsibility in backing the Iraqi people and contribute to the reconstruction
of Iraq.”
The King pledged Jordan's full support for its eastern neighbour, Petra said.
The two leaders also warned against the rise of violence in the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying it threatened regional security and urged
the international community to help Israel and the Palestinians return to the
negotiating table, Petra said.
“Any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza must be part of the roadmap and based on steps
agreed upon with the Palestinians,” the two leaders agreed, according to Petra.
The King and the Egyptian president also discussed ways to enhance bilateral
relations in all fields.
Meanwhile, Her Majesty Queen Rania and Egyptian first lady Suzanne discussed
several issues related to Arab women and ways to bolster their role in
comprehensive development efforts.
King Abdullah and Queen Rania held an iftar for Mubarak and his wife, who
arrived earlier for a several-hour visit.