San Francisco, 18/4/2004, (Communication & Information Division - Royal Hashemite Court) - His Majesty King Abdullah II has condemned Israel's assassination of Palestinian Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi describing the assassination as a heinous crime that reflects Israel's policy of arrogance and confirms that it is not serious in its search for peace.

In a statement to Petra from Los Angeles , the King said this crime will only breed more violence and undermine the peace process, which Jordan is striving to bring it back into track.

King Abdullah urged the international community to condemn Israel's oppressive measures against armless Palestinians.

"Peace, security and stability will never be achieved with the continuation of Israeli occupation," King Abdullah said.

If Israel wants to ensure security to its people, the road to peace is clear and that is the return to international legitimacy which has called for ending Israeli occupation and enabling the Palestinians to regain freedom and independence and establish their state on their land, the King said.