His Majesty King Abdullah II emphasized the urgent need for stability and peace in the Middle East on Tuesday in an address to UK legislators.
Speaking at the Palace of Westminster, King Abdullah said the region had witnessed an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of regional crises and that new crises were occurring alongside other important changes in the regional environment, opening the door to extremists and expansionist regional actors.
The King, who was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania, told members of both houses of Parliament and diplomats that walking away from these challenges was not an option because their impact extends to every corner of the world. "We must confront these dangers, think in new ways about how peace and progress can be achieved - and act," he said. He added that the international community and regional states must together seek non-military solutions to the conflicts of the region because "force is a recipe for failure." If violence in Palestine and Iraq are not checked, he said, the world and the people of the region "can expect a situation that is far more radical… and many more years of violence…"
King Abdullah called on the international community to rebuild Lebanon and maintain its national unity and assist in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which he called the core source of regional conflict. "Now we need measurable progress towards a clear objective: two secure states, at peace with each other and the region. The Arab Peace Initiative promises security guarantees for Israel … a sovereign, viable, and independent Palestine … and a process that would lead to a comprehensive settlement," said the King, noting that the initiative, which has the acceptance of all Arab states and the Palestinians, forms the basis for practical results: a clear endgame and an effective political process that can reach it.
The King urged the international community not to abandon Iraq to chaos and proposed several non-military initiatives to help preserve the country's unity. He said the international community has a role to play in encouraging reconciliation among Iraq's three major communities that acknowledges the historic suffering of Kurds and Shiites, as well as that of the Sunnis today. He said the goal of the international community, including states of the region, must be a sovereign, secure, and unified Iraq with a home-grown, democratic government that will respect the rights of all communities and a reconstructed infrastructure and economy that can offer people freedom and hope.
He called Britain's partnership in these areas "crucial" because regional upheaval affects international security and stability. "As neighbours, as partners, for the sake of our people, for peace and coexistence, we must find another way, an effective way forward" he concluded.
King Abdullah was speaking during a two-day official visit to the UK which included separate talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, on developments in the Middle East and bilateral ties. He also addressed UK business leaders attending a forum on business opportunities in Jordan. He was joined by the Duke of York Prince Andrew who is also special representative for the UK for international trade and investment.
Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania, who met on Monday with the Prince of Wales Prince Charles, were later due to meet Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.