King urges progress in peace push as he meets Netanyahu

Amman — His Majesty King Abdullah stressed the need to make progress in efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution and in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

During a meeting on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who departed Jordan after a short visit, King Abdullah reaffirmed that the only way to achieve peace and stability in the region is by reaching a two-state solution and by the establishment of a Palestinian state on the  June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The subject of Jerusalem, His Majesty reiterated, must be settled as part of final status talks, also on the basis of the two-state solution, underlining the importance of the holy city for Muslims and Christians, as it is for Jews, and reiterating that the holy city is key to achieving peace in the region, the statement said.

The King affirmed that Jordan will continue upholding its historical role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in accordance with the Hashemite Custodianship.

Discussions at the meeting also covered a number of bilateral issues, including the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Project, which will have a positive impact on Jordan, the West Bank, and Israel, according to the Royal Court.

Lifting restrictions on W. Bank exports 

An agreement was reached to study lifting restrictions on exports to the West Bank, a step that would bolster commercial and investment exchange between the Jordanian and the Palestinian markets.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Adnan Jundi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, and Adviser to His Majesty for Economic Affairs Mohammad Eses attended the meeting.