His Majesty King Abdullah II stressed Jordan's keenness on maintaining the Palestinian people's unity as well as on supporting efforts of the Palestinian leadership to hold elections.

The King stressed the importance of seizing the current opportunity to resume efforts that aim at establishing the viable independent Palestinian state as soon as possible, pointing that achieving such goal requires an Israeli and Palestinian commitment to the comprehensive and just peace through the full and accurate implementation of the roadmap.

Upon receiving President of the Palestinian Liberation Organization's Executive Committee, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmad Qurei, interim President of the Palestinian National Authority, Rawhi Fattouh, and the Palestinian Charge' d'Affaires in Amman, His Majesty stressed that Jordan will continue its efforts at all levels, especially with the international community to create suitable climate for the Palestinian elections with a view to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister, Faisal Fayez, Minister of the Royal Court, Samir Rifai, and Deputy Prime Minister/ State Minister for Prime Ministry Affairs/ Acting Foreign Minister, Marwan Muasher, King Abdullah stressed that his talks with European officials last week focused on the important role that can be played by the European Union and the International Community in supporting the Palestinian leadership's efforts that aim at building the Palestinian institutions.

His Majesty added that during his upcoming visit to the US, he will discuss with the US President George Bush and the US officials means to rally support for the Palestinian leadership's steps that aim at establishing a viable independent Palestinian state.

On his part, Abbas and his accompanying delegation expressed appreciation for efforts being exerted by His Majesty King Abdullah II to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

"The Palestinians are committed to implementing the roadmap items," stressed Abbas, who also expressed the importance of the Israeli commitment to the implementation of this peace plan. The Palestinian delegation's visit comes within efforts of the Palestinian leadership to familiarize King Abdullah and the Jordanian officials on efforts of the Palestinian side during the upcoming stage.