Embassy of Jordan - Washington, DC
Information Bureau

November 7, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HM King Abdullah II: missing the opportunity at Annapolis threaten future of peace process

London (Nov. 7, 2007)– His Majesty King Abdullah II emphasized during a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown the importance of Britain's role as well as that of the European Union in supporting efforts to realize Middle East peace during the current phase of international diplomacy to make the upcoming peace meeting in the US a success.

King Abdullah stressed the need for parties concerned with the peace process, especially Palestinians and Israelis, to realize that missing the opportunity presented by the peace meeting threatens the future of the entire peace process.

The King said the upcoming meeting should be a real starting point for negotiations within a specified timeframe, adding that the international meeting should address final status issues, which, once resolved, would end the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis and establish a viable independent Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel.

King Abdullah said the two-state solution will continue to be the acceptable Arab and international option for conflict resolution, saying that this solution would restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and pave the way to a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The King and the British prime minister also discussed ways to support the Palestinian National Authority and alleviate the difficult living conditions of the Palestinian people. In this regard, King Abdullah urged the international community provide the support needed by the PNA to strengthen institutions and improve the services it provides to Palestinians.

France will host a conference at the end of the year for donor countries with the participation of the Middle East Quartet Special Envoy Tony Blair to garner international political and financial support for the PNA.

During the talks attended by Director of His Majesty Office Bassem Awadallah and Jordan's Ambassador to UK Alia Bouran and British Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Simon McDonald and UK's Ambassador to Jordan James Watt, King Abdullah and Prime Minister Brown expressed their keenness to preserve the unity and stability of Iraq. The King emphasized the need to advance Iraqi national reconciliation efforts, adding that this process must be inclusive in order to succeed.

King Abdullah also stressed Jordan's support for Lebanon's unity and sovereignty, saying that holding presidential elections in accordance with the Lebanese constitution would help solve Lebanon's political crisis.

On bilateral relations, the King and the British premier discussed means to develop ties between both countries, particularly in the economic sphere.

The King expressed appreciation for Britain's support for Jordan in its latest negotiations with the Paris Club over the alleviation of its debt burden. He urged Britain to support the establishment of an effective partnership between the G8 and G11 countries.

Brown commended King Abdullah's efforts to achieve stability in the Middle East and help Palestinians and Israelis move forward in the peace process.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Brown and Mrs. Brown held a dinner banquet in honor of Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.