Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
King stresses need to unify
Arab stands
AMMAN (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday underscored the significance
of coordination among all Arab states to build a unified position on issues to
be tabled at the upcoming Arab summit.
At a meeting yesterday with Arab ambassadors in the Kingdom, His Majesty voiced
hope that the summit will lead to coordinated Arab action.
King Abdullah reviewed efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli peace talks to end
the Middle East conflict on the basis of the two-state solution and within a
regional context that would restore all Arab rights in accordance with
international resolutions and relevant terms of reference, especially the Arab
Peace Initiative.
At the meeting, the King also underlined the need to intensify efforts to launch
serious and effective peace negotiations within a specific time frame that
comprehensively address the conflict and lead to the establishment of an
independent Palestinian state, which is key to achieving security and stability
in the region.
His Majesty highlighted Jordan's efforts with regional and international parties
aiming to overcome obstacles to the resumption of peace talks and tangible
progress in the peace process.
Stressing the need to activate Arab cooperation and develop a unified Arab
stance to address common challenges, the King underlined his keenness to
continue coordination and consultation with Arab leaders regarding issues that
enhance Arab solidarity and serve the interests of the Arab nation.
His Majesty also emphasised his keenness to foster ties with all Arab states in
different fields.
The King also reviewed Jordan's efforts to develop its economy through
implementing mega-projects in vital sectors such as energy, water and
infrastructure, highlighting investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Also yesterday, King Abdullah met with US Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, a
member of the congressional Friends of Jordan Caucus, who is on a visit to the
Kingdom as part of a regional tour.
Talks during the meeting covered the situation in the Middle East and efforts to
launch serious and effective Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, underlining the
important US role in realising peace in the region.
The King commended the role of the caucus in developing bilateral ties.
Also on Monday, Prime Minister Samir Rifai met with the US congressman, who is
also deputy chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
At the meeting, the premier stressed that Jordanian-American ties are strategic,
strong and based on mutual respect, trust and joint coordination in different
regional and international issues, especially when it comes to efforts to
realise peace.
The congressman commended Jordan's role in realising peace and stability in the
region, stressing on the strong ties between the two countries.
His Majesty also received Anne-Marie Slaughter, policy planning director at the
US Department of State, with whom he reviewed developments in the region and
efforts to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Talks also covered bilateral ties and means to foster them in different fields.