King meets U.S. Secretary of State

Amman
22 March 2005

His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday said a just and a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict is the only way to realize peace and stability in the Middle East.



During a meeting with U.S. State Secretary Condoleezza Rice, King Abdullah stressed that the U.S has a key role to play in pushing the peace process forward and urging the Palestinians and Israelis to implement the roadmap which leads to a viable and independent Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel.


His Majesty said the opportunity emerged after the Sharm El Sheikh summit to resume peace negotiations should be seized.


The King urged the international community to continue supporting the Palestinian leadership to build its institutions, strengthen security and fulfill the Palestinian people's aspirations.


King Abdullah told Rice that the Arab Peace Initiative and related international resolutions can serve as a basis to realize comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.


On Iraq, the King stressed that Jordan's eastern neighbor needs international support to establish security and stability as well as preserve territorial integrity and build a better future.


His Majesty King Abdullah and Rice also discussed means to bolster bilateral relations.