King Abdullah asks Rice to help promote peace
Jordanian leader urges US secretary of state to help bring Israel, PA to negotiating table; expresses concern over excavations near al-Aqsa Mosque
In a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Amman, the king said that the nations of the region expected Washington to "continue to play a major role in the peace process by creating the necessary environment for a resumption of negotiations" that would ensure an independent Palestinian state.
Abdullah urged Rice to negotiate with the Palestinians and enable them to take part in the peace process.
"The longer the time passes without a framework that would help Palestinians and Israelis move forward, the greater the risk of an escalation of tensions, which is not in the interest of anyone," the king stressed.
Abdullah also voiced his concern regarding Israel's excavations at the Mugrabi Gate, stating that the international community bears the responsibility to prevent Israel from harming the al-Aqsa Mosque.
Following his meeting with Rice, Abdullah met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The king stressed to Abbas the importance of a joint Palestinian effort to make the Mecca unity deal work.
Abdullah also said that Jordan would boost efforts to garner support for ending the financial embargo on the Palestinians.
AP contributed to the report
