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Abbas and King Abdullah
Photo: AFP

Jordan's King Abdullah to visit Ramallah

Palestinian Authority to host King Abdullah II in 'first visit by Arab leader in Palestine as occupied state'

Jordan's King Abdullah II plans to travel to the West Bank "soon" to meet president Mahmoud Abbas in the first visit by an Arab leader after the Palestinians won UN observer state membership.

 

"The king will go to Ramallah soon and meet with Abbas there. No exact date has been set," a senior government official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

 

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"The visit seeks to reiterate Jordan's support for the Palestinians, build on their historic achievement at the United Nations and help them establish an independent state."

 

Some local newspapers said the trip is expected to take place on Thursday.

 

Jordanian daily al-Ghad quoted Abbas' political adviser Namr Hamad as saying that King Abdullah's visit will be the first by an Arab leader "in Palestine as an occupied state."


פגישה בעמאן. הנשיא והמלך (ארכיון) (צילום: רויטרס)

Abbas and King Abdullah in Amman (Archive photo: Reuters)

 

He added that the trip sends a clear message to Israel and shows that Jordan stands by the Palestinian state and people.

 

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday granted the Palestinians non-member state observer status in a 138-9 vote.

 

He further noted he was not surprised by Israel's decision to freeze the PA's tax money. Hamad also addressed the possibility that the PA will prosecute Israel at the International Court of Justice.

 

"We are at a new stage and are waiting to see how the occupation will act. If it continues to challenge the international community our response will be different," he said.

 

He nevertheless said that the PA's UN recognition does not rule out a return to negotiations.

 

King Abdullah last visited the West Bank a year ago.

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.04.12, 11:54
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