Embassy
of Jordan - Washington, DC
Information BureauMarch 4, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
His Majesty
King Abdullah II, President
Bush discuss Mideast peace process and other
regional developments at White House Meeting
Washington DC, 4 March 2008 – His
Majesty King Abdullah II emphasized that achieving
peace in the Middle East needs the engagement of
parties in negotiations on clearly outlined bases
and timeframes, adding that unilateral measures have
failed to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
King Abdullah stressed during talks today with US
President George W. Bush at the White House that
Israeli policies of siege and military force will
deepen the conflict between Israel and the
Palestinians and threaten to waste years of
negotiations to achieve peace in the region.
The King said the peace to which Arabs aspire is
based on restoring the Palestinian people's
legitimate rights, foremost of which is the
establishment of an independent state on Palestinian
soil within a two-state solution. He added that the
Arab Peace Initiative constitutes the basis for
settling the Arab-Israeli conflict.
King Abdullah expressed appreciation for President
Bush's commitment to work with the Palestinians and
Israel to reach an agreement before the end of the
year that addresses final status issues as agreed in
the Annapolis conference.
The King and the US president discussed the efforts
of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is on
a tour of the Middle East. King Abdullah urged the
US administration to intensify international support
for the peace process.
The King emphasized the importance of supporting the
Palestinian National Authority in its efforts to
ease the difficult living conditions facing the
Palestinian people, noting that improving the life
of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
should be the key objective of all sides.
The two leaders also discussed Lebanon's political
crisis and King Abdullah said Jordan supports the
Arab League initiative to end the crisis.
They also addressed efforts to achieve national
reconciliation in Iraq and to ensure the country's
security, stability and sovereignty.
King Abdullah and President Bush discussed ways to
strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the
economic field.
The King expressed appreciation for the president's
efforts in that regard and for US assistance to
Jordan that played a major role in supporting the
national economy and strengthening development.
Following the meeting, President Bush and US First
Lady Laura Bush hosted Their Majesties King Abdullah
and Queen Rania for lunch.
Jordan Information Bureau
202-265-1606
jordaninfo1@aol.com
