Embassy of Jordan - Washington, DC
Information Bureau

Time to revive peace negotiations, King tells Rice

Amman (January 14, 2007) – His Majesty King Abdullah called on the United States to actively push for a revival of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations that would lead to the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state that would fulfill Palestinian aspirations for freedom, independence and security.

During a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is on a tour of the region, King Abdullah said without tangible, specific steps to activate the implementation of the Road Map in the near future, the cycle of violence will widen.

A just and durable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on international legality and the Arab Peace Initiative is the key to moving the region towards a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, King Abdullah said. The objective of peace negotiations should be the establishment of a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state, he said.

During the meeting, the King also urged the United States to help the Palestinian National Authority, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, so that a strong Palestinian partner capable of advancing the peace process could emerge.

Rice briefed King Abdullah on the results of her talks with President Abbas earlier today. She stressed Washington's commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel, and said the American administration would work with all concerned parties to bring the Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiating table. She commended King Abdullah's efforts toward peace and stability in the Middle East.

King Abdullah reviewed developments in Iraq with the US Secretary of State. He reiterated that it was necessary to include all Iraqi social groups in efforts to restore Iraq's stability and security. He stressed that any political process in Iraq that does not do so was likely to fail and to invite more violence. As a key component of the Iraqi social fabric, he said, the Iraqi Sunni community must be included as partners in building Iraq's future.

Rice outlined the components of Washington's new Iraq strategy, announced last week by US President George Bush.

King Abdullah expressed Jordan's appreciation for American support for the Kingdom's economic reforms and development efforts.

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