King Meets Members of Parliament

Amman
23 September 2003

His Majesty King Abdullah said that his talks with US President and other US Officials last week in the USA aimed to salvage the peace process and break down the ongoing cycle of violence between the Palestinians and Israelis.



During the meeting with Parliament members at Raghadan Palace, His Majesty said "we have been using all our capabilities to rally political and diplomatic support for our brotherly Palestinians."



His Majesty indicated that during his meeting with US President felt that the President was still committed to implement the Roadmap, peace plan.



The King expressed his hope that the circumstances will give the Palestinian Prime Minister designate the chance to succeed in his task and to start working with the Israeli to implement the road map provisions as soon as possible.



His Majesty said he discussed with the U.S. officials Jordan's economic programs and plans for the coming years, and the possibility of getting U.S. additional aid to implement these programs, designed to improve quality of life for Jordanian citizens and to create new
job opportunities.



The King affirmed his determinations to achieve political development with the participation of all political spectrum. The fact we have 30 political parties is illogical said the King noting
that the political work should be regulated by enhancing the role of the House of Deputies and establishing strong political parties with clear political, social and economic programs.



His Majesty affirmed that there is a good opportunities during the four years coming to strengthen democracy in Jordan and to speed up social, economic and political development.



"We respect the opposition parties, which work under the under the umbrella of the law and the constitution," King Abdullah told MPs.