Jordan Times
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Unilateral Israeli measures in Jerusalem threaten peace efforts - King
AMMAN (JT) - Jerusalem is a “red line” and any
attempts to alter the city will have “disastrous repercussions” on the region's
security and stability, His Majesty King Abdullah said on Friday.
At a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the King
said unilateral Israeli measures are unacceptable, warning against acts that
undermine peace efforts, according to a Royal Court statement.
There is a need for a clear international position against unilateral Israeli
actions, His Majesty said, urging the international community and the EU in
particular to act firmly against Israeli measures aimed at altering the identity
of Jerusalem and threatening its holy sites.
Talks between the Monarch and the Spanish prime minister focused on developments
in the occupied Palestinian territories and efforts to resolve the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict within a regional context.
Discussions also covered means to foster bilateral ties between Jordan and the
EU, of which Spain will assume the rotating presidency in January next year.
The King and the Spanish premier also reviewed the latest efforts to launch
Palestinian-Israeli negotiations based on the relevant terms of reference
building upon what has been realised in previous talks.
His Majesty underlined the need for a coordinated, intensive international
effort to launch peace negotiations and ensure their success, which he said was
a regional and international necessity.
The Monarch said he valued the EU’s role in ending regional conflicts, adding
that Jordan is looking forward to working with Spain to further accelerate
efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The Monarch also voiced appreciation for Spain's support for Jordan’s
development, highlighting opportunities in the Kingdom to attract more Spanish
investments and enhance cooperation between the private sectors in both
countries.