Embassy of Jordan - Washington, DC
Information Bureau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
King stresses importance of US commitment to Palestinian state in Meeting with Bush

Washington, DC (March 6, 2007) – His Majesty King Abdullah II stressed the importance of US commitment to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, amid current momentum to revive the Middle East peace process.

In a meeting with US President George W. Bush, King Abdullah expressed the need for the US to exercise a leadership role in helping the Palestinians and Israelis reach a just settlement. He added that American engagement in peace-making would bolster American credibility in the region and restore credibility to the region's advocates of peace.

The King told Bush that the Arab moderate states were engaged in intense regional diplomacy to revive the Arab Peace Initiative and build support for the initiative among Muslim states outside the Middle East.

The Arab Peace Initiative envisions comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace, with full security guarantees for Israel from each Arab state in exchange for the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state, Israeli withdrawal from all Arab territory occupied since 1967 and an agreed settlement to the refugee question. The initiative was tabled by Arab states in 2002.

However, he said, the Arab effort can only be successful if it is matched by a similar diplomatic offensive among international powers and members of the Middle East Quartet.

During the White House meeting, King Abdullah said the crisis in Iraq affects all of Iraq's neighbors, and that Arab states are keen to contribute to Iraq's security and stability.

The US President and Mrs. Bush also hosted a private dinner for His Majesty and Her Majesty Queen Rania.

The King and Bush also discussed ways to expand bilateral economic, political and military cooperation, US efforts to revive the peace process as well as the situation in Iraq.

King Abdullah is on a five-day working visit to the US to advance Arab diplomacy for Middle East peace. Over the past two days, he has also met with Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary Rice. He is also scheduled to meet key elected representatives, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. On Wednesday, the King will address a joint meeting of Congress. His trip to the US was preceded by meetings with Arab leaders in Riyadh and Cairo, and a stop in London where the King also met British Prime Minister Tony Blair.