FM, EU envoy discuss means to restore momentum to Mideast peace process

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans on Wednesday reviewed efforts to restore momentum for the peace process.

Safadi stressed that Jordan will continue to work to find a real political ground to realise fair and comprehensive peace, stressing that there is no alternative to the two-state solution, which ends occupation and embodies the independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the pre-1967 lines according to accredited international resolutions and references and the Arab Peace Initiative to live in security and peace with Israel, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

The minister also acquainted Koopmans with the efforts and communication of the Kingdom to launch serious and effective negotiations to realise just peace according to the two-state solution, highlighting the main role of the EU in this regard and in supporting the Palestinian economy. 

The two sides also went over the outcomes of the Munich Group meeting that was hosted by Germany on Saturday.

Safadi stressed that maintaining calm requires immediate and effective movement to find the real political ground to reach the two-state solution and stop all illegitimate procedures that undermine it, including building settlements and confiscating Palestinian lands. 

He also reiterated the importance of respecting the rights of Sheikh Jarrah residents to their homes and respecting the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites. 

The minister also called for continuing the financial and political support for UNRWA, commending the big EU support to the UN agency.

Koopmans praised the Kingdom’s role and efforts towards realising just and comprehensive peace and maintaining calm, reiterating EU’s keenness to continue cooperation with Jordan to resume momentum for the peace process and achieving progress towards achieving just and comprehensive peace.