Jordan Times
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
King underlines need to support Palestinian elections
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday said it was important for the Palestinians and Israelis to resume negotiations as soon as possible, pointing out that the time factor was crucial in reviving the peace process.
The King made the remarks at a meeting with a delegation of US Senate staffers at the Royal Court, also attended by Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah, and charge d'affaires at the US embassy in Amman, David Hale. King Abdullah said the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state within the two-state solution dictated in the roadmap peace blueprint would contribute to the implementation of successful sustainable development programmes that achieve the security and stability in the region. He highlighted the need to support the upcoming Palestinian elections.
On Iraq, the Monarch reiterated that the Iraqi elections should be comprehensive, leading to a government that represents the entire spectra of the Iraqi people. King Abdullah said the Kingdom was going ahead with political and socio-economic reform programmes, seeking to set an example of a modern state. He added that the Amman Message was part of a long-term process that mainly depends on education to promote Islam's tolerance and moderation. The visiting delegation commended the King's efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region. They also praised efforts to achieve progress in the Kingdom and carry out reform plans, particularly at the administrative and political levels.