His Majesty King Abdullah has said that Jordanian citizenship held by Palestinian refugees in the Kingdom does not in any way compromise their right to return and compensation.

The King said in an interview with Ad Dustour Arabic daily published on Thursday: “As for the Palestinian refugees in Jordan, we stress once again that their Jordanian citizenship does not deprive them of the right of return and compensation as Palestinians.

“This has been our unwavering position and we are not backing away from it. It is enshrined in international resolutions, particularly UN Resolution 194, which is not negotiable, nor can it be abandoned.”

The King said Jordan continues to emphasise its commitment to international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative as the way for a settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the plight of refugees.

King Abdullah reiterated Amman's support for the Palestinian National Authority, especially on final status issues which, he said, have a direct effect on the future Palestinian state - refugees, Jerusalem, water and borders.

“We've exerted tremendous efforts recently to return the Palestinian issue to the top of the international community's agenda, particularly in the United States,” the King said.

The King renewed “strong condemnation” of the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the siege of its people.

“We are in touch with our Palestinian brothers, the Arabs and international community to end this aggression and siege that violate all norms and international conventions… We have demanded that Israel immediately cease its aggression.

“The difficult conditions of Gaza residents and the siege imposed on them have a detrimental effect on citizens and cause a further deterioration in their living conditions. Israel must realise that there can be no serious negotiations towards the aspired peace in light of its continued aggression and violations committed against the Gaza Strip.”

On the Israeli settlement activities, King Abdullah said Jordan's position on the issue is that settlements are illegal and continued settlement threatens the entire peace process because it threatens the future Palestinian state.

“The parties must commit to the roadmap which addressed settlements in the very first phase. Commitment must be the gateway to the peace process that was started at the Annapolis meeting,” His Majesty told the paper.