King Meets A delegation From "Med Bridge" Centre

Amman
26 October 2003

His Majesty King Abdullah II affirmed that the Middle east region is passing through difficult and complicated conditions due to the continuation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict which still forms a major cause of instability in the region.



During a meeting at the Raghadan Palace on Sunday, with a delegation from the strategic "Med Bridge" Centre which includes in its membership many European politicians, His Majesty warned against the continuation of the cycle of violence between the Palestinians and Israelis. "If we don't help the two parties, there will be more suffering and the aspired for progress and reform for the region's nations, will not be achieved," King Abdullah affirmed during the meeting which was also attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah.



His Majesty called on Europe to continue its active role in supporting the peace march in its capacity as member in the international Quartet, and by virtue of its historical ties with the region.



King Abdullah stressed that there is no alternative to peace and the road map peace plan which is a clear mechanism that was approved by the international community, to help the Palestinian and Israelis to solve their problems, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state by the year 2005.



The King also underlined the importance of having an international monitoring mechanism to implement items of the road map plan.



During the meeting, which was also attended by the ministers of foreign affairs and planning and International cooperation, His Majesty also spoke of the current situation in Iraq. He called for restoring stability and security in Iraq and enabling the Iraqi people to build future Iraq which provides freedom and justice to all its citizens.



"We in Jordan, are continuing the process of implementing political, economic and social reforms, and the current prevailing conditions in the region will not prevent us from achieving our aspirations through which we seek to have a better future," the King said.



Head of the Med Bridge Centre, Francios Zimeray for his part, praised efforts being exerted by Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II to achieve peace and stability in the region.



He affirmed that Jordan had made big strides towards enhancing democracy and building civil society institutions.



Zimeray also presented a briefing on the goals of the centre that aim at enhancing understanding and communications among European political leaders and their counterparts in the Middle East, and strengthening Europe's ties with the region.