His Majesty King Abdullah said the Palestinian elections last week were an important step in the history of the Palestinian people and that their choice must be respected.

"For years, the Palestinians have expressed their desire for peace and their respect for the legitimacy of international resolutions," King Abdullah said during his remarks to students, academics and politicians at Gertrude Castellow Ford Center at the University of Mississippi. "Both peoples, Palestinian and Israeli, want and deserve a future of hope."

The King stressed that it is now vital for the parties to return rapidly to the negotiating table, and equally vital for the international community to continue its support to the peace process. The King said that establishing a viable, sovereign Palestinian state, alongside a secure Israel, is the only way to end to violence and extremism.

Achieving solutions to the dangerous conflicts in the region, so that all parties can focus their energies on the future, requires the efforts of everyone, the King said.

King Abdullah was addressing questions from the audience following a speech he delivered. He said that the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, which won a majority in Palestinian legislative elections last week, should not be pre-judged.

"Let's wait to see what Hamas will decide on dealing with political facts on the ground," King Abdullah said. He warned, however, that time is no longer on the side of the Palestinians, saying that the next two years will be critical for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. He also expressed concern that the international community, including some Arab states, might lose interest in the Palestinian cause if no progress is achieved. He said that Jordan would always support the Palestinians because of the profound links between Jordanians and Palestinians.

The King also said the international community also bears a huge responsibility to support the Iraqi people as they rebuild their country and restore stability and security. "The entire world has a stake in a unified, stable and prosperous Iraq," he said.

He added that he hopes a coalition government will be formed, moving the country toward a more inclusive polity necessary to maintaining the security and stability necessary for Iraq's recovery.

The King also fielded a question concerning the international crisis with Iran over its nuclear program, reiterating Jordan's support for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons.

During the question and answer session following his speech, King Abdullah also discussed the importance of sustaining interfaith dialogue and understanding. Jordan, he said, released the Amman Message more than a year ago to oppose false teachings and to elucidate the true principles of Islam, which urges peaceful coexistence among all human beings.

The King also met a number of Jordanian students studying at the University of Mississippi and expressed pride in their abilities.