Jordan Times
Friday, May 15, 2009
Economic approach to peace
rejected - King
AMMAN (JT) –– His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said that any talk about
economic empowerment outside the framework of the political solution in the
Middle East is rejected.
During a brief meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the King
said this political solution should ensure the establishment of a viable and
independent Palestinian state that lives in peace side by side with Israel.
The King stressed that the economic option will not bring about peace and will
expose the region to more conflicts and crises, a Royal Court statement said.
The Monarch said that Israel must commit itself immediately to the two-state
solution, which, he said, guarantees the establishment of an independent
Palestinian state following Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands in
line with the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions.
During the talks, King Abdullah demanded an end to Israeli settlement building
in the West Bank and all unilateral actions aimed at changing the status quo,
calling for ending the siege on Gaza and lifting all checkpoints that restrict
the movement of goods and people in Palestinian territories.
He urged Netanyahu to engage immediately in serious negotiations with the
Palestinian Authority to achieve a two-state solution as soon as possible.
The King also stressed that Israel must stop excavation work and unilateral
measures in Jerusalem that threaten the sacred sites and seek to alter the
identity of the city by driving out Arab Muslims and Christians from the Holy
City.
The Monarch emphasised that the Arab initiative is a historic opportunity to
reach a comprehensive peace which guarantees the return of Arab rights and
offers Israel security and recognition in the neighbourhood.
He warned that the failure to seize this opportunity is a real threat to peace
and stability in the entire region, indicating that Israel cannot have security
and stability unless Palestinians achieve their legitimate right to statehood.
Netanyahu will head to Washington on Sunday for his maiden meeting with
President Barack Obama amid divisions over Middle East peacemaking and Iran's
nuclear ambitions, AFP reported.
The hawkish premier, who wants a "fresh" approach to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, will unveil in the White House meeting on Monday his long-awaited
policy for regional peace focused on countering Iran, the news agency quoted
aides as saying.