Jordan Times
Thursday, April 24, 2008
King renews call for continued
US involvement in Mideast peace
JT and agencies
HIS MAJESTY King Abdullah on Wednesday reiterated a call for continued US
support for the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations during the coming months.
He told US President George W. Bush during a White House meeting that Washington
can help overcome impediments to progress in talks between both sides aimed at
reaching a peace agreement which addresses various final status issues and leads
to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, a Royal Court
statement said.
King Abdullah added that negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis should
be based on clear grounds and fixed timeframes.
The King said all parties should honour the commitments made and build on what
they agreed on during the Annapolis peace conference.
His Majesty voiced hope that President Bush's upcoming visit to the region would
help push peace efforts forward and encourage Palestinians and Israelis to
achieve tangible progress in their negotiations.
King Abdullah stressed it is important Israel refrains from taking any measures
that would jeopardise negotiations with the Palestinians and called for an end
to all Israeli settlement activities and removal of the blockade and
restrictions Israeli authorities are imposing on the movement of Palestinians.
His Majesty emphasised the importance of supporting the Palestinian Authority's
efforts to improve the living conditions of the Palestinian people and
strengthen the performance of their institutions.
The King also reviewed efforts to enhance security and stability in Iraq and
find a solution to the political crisis in Lebanon.
King Abdullah expressed appreciation for US assistance to Jordan, which, he
said, contributes to fostering development in the Kingdom.
Monarch meets Abbas
Also in Washington yesterday, King Abdullah met with Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas and briefed him on the outcome of his talks with Bush.
During the meeting, one day ahead of the scheduled meeting between Abbas and
Bush, King Abdullah urged intensified international and US efforts to bolster
the peace process.
The international community, he said, should work to maintain the momentum of
the peace process, which should lead to the establishment of an independent
state on Palestinian national soil.
King and Abbas discussed the latest developments in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip.
During the talks, King Abdullah stressed the need to boost unity among
Palestinian ranks, which, he said, will have a positive impact on the future of
the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, Abbas briefed King Abdullah on the outcome of his recent visit to
Moscow and goals he hopes to achieve from his meeting with the US president and
administration officials in Washington.