US envoy Mitchell with Jordan's King Abdullah
Photo: Reuters
Jordan hopes new Israeli government will halt settlement construction
FM Bashir says Amman will use its good relations with Israel for the good of the Palestinian people, to promote regional peace. Abbas aide: We'll present clear demands to new prime minister
In response to the inconclusive results of Tuesday's general elections in Israel, Jordanian Foreign Minister Salah Bashir said Amman hopes the next Israeli government will be committed to conducting "serious and efficient" negotiations with the Palestinians.
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Bashir was quoted by the Petra news agency as saying Wednesday that the Hashemite Kingdom also hoped the new government in Jerusalem would halt settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem, which, according to him, is a prerequisite for a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two-state solution.
The top Jordanian diplomat said his government would use its good relations with Israel for the good of the Palestinian people and to promote regional peace.
A senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas echoed Bashir's sentiments, saying that the PA would return to the negotiation table only after Israel freezes its settlement building.
"We will present clear demands to whoever heads Israel's next government," Rafik Husseini said, "beginning with the immediate halt of settlement activity."
