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.