Jordan’s Foreign Minister discusses peace process with Arab and Jewish American leaders

April 30, 2008, Washington, DC- Jordan’s Foreign Minister Salaheddin Al Bashir held separate meetings with representatives of Arab and Jewish American organizations during his Washington visit. The meetings were attended by Jordan's Ambassador to the United States, His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra'ad.

Al Bashir stressed the significant role of these organizations to support the U.S. administration’s efforts to achieve a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.

Arab and Muslim American organizations are “best suited to raise awareness in Washington and across the United States” about the “importance” and “necessity" of American involvement” to encourage both parties to honor their commitments and achieve tangible results, said Al Bashir. The Foreign Minister lauded the organizations’ noble work in highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the crisis in the Palestinian Territories and urged them to continue their efforts in the pursuit of Palestinian-Israeli peace and the establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state.

Reiterating His Majesty King Abdullah’s message during his most recent meeting with Arab and Jewish American groups, Al Bashir addressed the leadership of the American Jewish Committee that “failure to seize the opportunity today will threaten the security and stability of the Middle East, and will affect us all.” Al Bashir commended AJC’s commitment to Middle East peace and encouraged them to continue the dialogue for peace amongst all Americans.