Jordan Times
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
'Time running out on Mideast'
AMMAN (JT) - In comments published Monday, His
Majesty King Abdullah warned that the window of opportunity for resolving the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict is very limited, and called on the international
community to make an immediate and effective effort to launch negotiations to
achieve comprehensive peace.
In an interview with the Italian daily La Repubblica on the eve of a state visit
to Italy, the King also warned against a human catastrophe in Gaza, where the
suffering will increase as the winter approaches, and called on the
international community to move faster to end the blockade, according to a Royal
Court statement.
He stressed that failure to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the
basis of the two-state solution and within a regional and comprehensive context
is the most serious threat to peace and stability in the Middle East region and
the Mediterranean.
He commended efforts by US President Barack Obama, noting that Obama began the
first 24 hours of his mandate with a serious effort to resolve the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
In response to a question about whether the Palestinian issue or the Iranian
nuclear problem is the priority as Israel maintains, the King said the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the root cause of conflict in the region.
The King noted that when he was in the United States around six months ago there
were some voices that focused on "Iran, Iran, Iran" in an attempt to make Iran a
priority, but he said his response was: "Palestine, Palestine, Palestine."
When asked if he was disappointed over failure to achieve a breakthrough even
after seven missions by US special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, the
King said: "I was expecting more, and more quickly. I was expecting more of a
dramatic breakthrough in early summer. But there has definitely been a delay."
King Abdullah said that Israel's failure to stop the construction of settlements
constitutes a major obstacle to efforts to relaunch negotiations, adding that
this behaviour is interpreted around the Arab world as unwillingness to make
peace.
He also stressed his condemnation of Israel's unilateral measures that seek to
change the identity of Jerusalem, warning that encroachments by Israel upon
Muslim and Christian holy sites in the city are provocative and dangerous.
Jerusalem should be a symbol of harmony and should be open to the three
monotheistic faiths, the King said.
King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania arrived in Italy Monday on a
several-day visit upon an invitation by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and
his spouse, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the King will hold talks with Napolitano, Italian
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and other officials on means to foster
bilateral ties, efforts to achieve peace in the region, and regional and
international issues of mutual concern.
His Majesty will also take part in the Jordanian-Italian Business Forum, to take
place in Milan, and will meet with several businesspeople and representatives of
the economic and commercial sectors in Italy.
HRH Prince Ali was sworn in as Regent.