Jordan Times
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Palestinian crisis Mideast core issue, King tells Bush
By Mahmoud Al Abed
AMMAN — King Abdullah on Wednesday pushed for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli
conflict during key talks here with US President George W. Bush, reiterating
that it was the core crisis in the Middle East.
The King told Bush at a Raghadan Palace meeting that a just settlement of the
problem will help moderate challenges to security posed by regional violence,
according to a joint statement.
Achieving Palestinian-Israeli peace "could be a catalyst for lasting peace”
between the Jewish state and Arabs, the Monarch said, urging the US
administration to push for the resumption of negotiations.
The US president arrived yesterday in Jordan on a two-day visit.
“The world realises now more than ever that the only other alternative is the
continuation of violence,” the statement quoted King Abdullah as saying.
“The establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state on Palestinian
soil living alongside a secure Israel is the only logical and internationally
acceptable solution to the conflict.”
He urged international support for the Arab Peace Initiative, which was approved
by Arab countries to end the conflict with Israel.
The King and Bush discussed Jordanian, Egyptian and Saudi efforts to realise a
peace settlement in line with the initiative.
Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib told reporters at the Royal Court that the
King urged “real progress” in the Middle East peace process at the meeting and
called on Israel to ease the harsh living conditions of the Palestinians.
Khatib said Bush "realises clearly the dire need for a quality shift" in the
process.
King Abdullah, according to the joint statement, urged the international
community, including the US, to provide assistance to the Palestinians and help
President Mahmoud Abbas alleviate the suffering and economic pressure in the
territories.
For his part, Bush stressed that the US was committed to a two-state solution to
the conflict and said the Palestinians and Israelis needed to create
“appropriate circumstances” to push the peace process forward. “Attempts to
obstruct peace negotiations should be stopped,” he was quoted as saying.
"King Abdullah and President Bush also discussed the Iraqi file," the foreign
minister told reporters. "The King underlined the need to achieve stability and
build institutions that can maintain Iraqi unity."
King Abdullah said during the meeting Jordan fully supports national
reconciliation in Iraq.
The King and Bush stressed the importance of Iraq’s political process and
rejected all attempts to fuel violence and sectarian fighting.
The two leaders called for international and Arab backing to help Iraqis rebuild
their country and restore their "vital role in the region".
King Abdullah and Bush, meanwhile, agreed that the Lebanese should be allowed to
resolve political tension in their country without “external interference”.
The two leaders also discussed Iran's nuclear programme as well as means to
enhance bilateral relations.
Bush commended Jordan's key role in regional security and stability, and thanked
the Kingdom for hosting his meeting with the Iraqi premier.