His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed that the coming months are crucial for the future of the Palestinian cause, and efforts to revive the Palestinian-Israeli peace process should be intensified.

The King, speaking during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said every available channel to resume the peace process should be activated. He identified Palestinian unity as the foundation of the Palestinians' future success and said that the formation of a national unity government could contribute to breaking the stalemate in the peace process and strengthen the Palestinians in coping with current challenges.

King Abdullah and President Abbas discussed the nature of efforts that could be exerted during the coming stage and said such efforts could be reinforced by unified Arab policy affirming that a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict leading to a viable Palestinian state on Palestinian territory is the key to a just and comprehensive regional peace.

Abbas briefed the King on his consultations with all Palestinian factions concerning the formation of a national unity government that would be able to realize Palestinian aspirations and restore Palestinian rights. He also briefed the King on his recent talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and a number of European officials that were intended to mobilize international support for the renewal of the peace process.

In a statement to Jordan Television, Abbas said obstacles to the formation of a national unity government had been transcended but that "we are still in the beginning of the road." All will participate in the coming government. he said, not just one party.

The Palestinian president said the release of Palestinian officials detained by Israel and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and the return of an Israeli prisoner were central to the restoration of the peace process. Abbas said the peace process will start at the UN with a unified Arab effort.