US has major role in reviving Mideast peace talks — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed the pivotal role of the US in reviving Palestinian-Israeli peace talks to resolve the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution.

At a meeting with a US Congress delegation, led by Congressman Darrell Issa (R-California) who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the King discussed the international efforts seeking to end the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Talks also covered bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, a Royal Court statement said.

The King referred to the consequences of the Syrian crisis on neighbouring countries and the entire region, reaffirming Jordan's support for a comprehensive solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

The Monarch also reiterated Jordan's support for all efforts seeking to safeguard Iraq's territorial unity, the statement said. 

In addition, he called for enhancing US-Jordanian relations, expressing appreciation for Washington's assistance to the Kingdom's development projects.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, King's Office Director Imad Fakhoury and US Ambassador to Jordan Alice Wells attended the meeting. 

Also on Wednesday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour met with the US delegates, who are visiting Jordan as part of a regional tour, and briefed them on the Kingdom's reform process.

Ensour said Jordan is determined to move ahead with genuine reforms aiming at enhancing democracy and public participation in the decision-making process despite regional challenges, adding that the recently unveiled constitutional amendments are in line with that purpose.

Jordan can be a regional model in enacting reforms and enhancing democracy, openness and freedoms, the premier said, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

For his part, Issa expressed admiration of Jordan's ability to maintain its security and stability while being in the centre of a turbulent region.

Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani attended the meeting.

Later on Wednesday, Interior Minister Hussein Majali met with the US delegation and discussed the need to increase international cooperation and coordination to spread awareness on the dangers of extremism on international peace. 

Extremism in all its forms is based on misguided beliefs and ideologies that pose a serious threat to humanity and negatively affect development, Majali noted, calling for fighting fundamentalism with reasonable arguments and ideologies.

The minister also briefed the delegates on the repercussions of the Syrian refugee influx into Jordan and the pressures on its vital service sectors and infrastructure, Petra reported.

Should the unrest in Syria and the presence of extremist groups continue, their effect will extend to other countries around the world and not just in the region, Majali warned.

He said Jordan is under pressure to double its security efforts to safeguard its borders and monitor shared crossing points with other countries, in addition to dealing with security challenges that may arise domestically.

Issa said Jordan and the US share deep-rooted ties, stressing the need to strengthen them in light of the rapid developments witnessed in the region and the world.

The delegates also commended Jordan's efforts in hosting a great number of Syrian refugees despite the economic challenges it is facing, calling for assisting the Kingdom to continue playing its humanitarian role.