Jordan Times
Thursday, April 23, 2009
"We are ready to
shoulder our responsibilities’
WASHINGTON (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday called for the
formation of task forces from Arab and Islamic countries to help the US in
realising peace.
King Abdullah made his remarks after a meeting with Speaker of the US House of
Representatives Nancy Pelosi yesterday in joint statements to the press.
The King said: "We are ready to shoulder our responsibilities," adding that the
US has shouldered heavy burdens for many years.
At the meeting, in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Rania, King Abdullah and
Pelosi discussed efforts to revive the peace process and bring about stability
and security in the Middle East.
The King said the region is going through a critical stage that should be
overcome through launching serious and speedy negotiations to resolve the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the two-state solution and
within the context of a comprehensive regional movement.
Referring to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, King Abdullah said it represents a
historic opportunity to make peace in the region.
Discussions at the meeting also covered means to bolster bilateral relations,
especially in the economic field.
Pelosi, who stressed the strategic importance of the US’ ties with Jordan,
emphasised the Kingdom's historic role in promoting peace and stability in the
Middle East.
Commending cooperation between the Kingdom and the House of Representatives,
Pelosi stressed her support for the Kingdom's efforts to develop the national
economy.
The King voiced his appreciation for the US’ support for Jordan's efforts to
modernise and develop its economy and proceed with the development process.
In joint statements to the press following the meeting, King Abdullah said
Jordan enjoys distinguished relations with the House of Representatives and the
Kingdom is working with the US administration to support peace and stability in
the region.
King Abdullah also voiced hope to launch Palestinian-Israeli negotiations as
soon as possible with the help of the US.
Pelosi said the meeting with King Abdullah stresses the importance of
Jordanian-American ties and the deep friendships and respect the members of the
House of Representatives have for King Abdullah.
Referring to previous visits by the King to the US, she said the US benefited
from King Abdullah's vision for the future of the region, stressing Washington’s
willingness to work closely and in partnership with Jordan to support peace in
the Middle East.
Also yesterday, His Majesty met with the Congressional Friends of Jordan Caucus
and stressed that the solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a prelude
to the challenges that face the region in achieving a comprehensive and just
peace.
The King stressed that Israel has to choose between being accepted as part of
the region or continue living with a fortress mentality, pointing out that the
security of Israel can only be achieved through peace.
He added that the Arab Peace Initiative should be invested in, calling it a
precious opportunity to achieve peace that ensures the establishment of an
independent Palestinian state.
The Monarch said that the initiative will provide Israel with the recognition of
57 UN member states, which still do not recognise Israel.
King Abdullah noted that the objective of his visit to the US was to discuss
with the US administration ways to work actively to end the Palestinian-Israeli
conflict based on the two-state solution and a broader vision of comprehensive
security and peace in the region.
Democratic Congressman and Caucus Chairperson Adam Schiff commended Jordan’s
role in promoting peace in the region, saying that Jordan is the best country to
convey the Arab stance on the peace process.
The Congressional Friends of Jordan Caucus was officially launched in the US
House of Representatives in 2007 through an initiative from Democratic and
Republican representatives.
The bipartisan caucus, a first of its kind with an Arab country, seeks to
strengthen the strategic bilateral relations between Jordan and the United
States through positive engagement with members of Congress.
King Abdullah is accompanied on his visit to the US by a number of Jordanian
students from public and private schools, who are attending some of the King’s
activities in order to learn about the experiences of other countries.