His Majesty King Abdullah II stressed that neither a Jordanian-Palestinian confederation nor federation was a viable option at this time and that that neither was open for discussion.
King Abdullah was responding to a question about confederation raised during a meeting with ambassadors of European Union member states at the home of the German ambassador earlier today. The King said that the occasional discussion of the issue is in the interest of neither Jordanians nor Palestinians. He added that such a proposal under the prevailing conditions undermines efforts to achieve regional peace.
King Abdullah said Jordan would be willing to discuss such a proposal only after the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and only with the full agreement of both Jordanians and Palestinians.
During the meeting, the King stressed the European Union member states' important role in achieving Middle East peace and stability and in helping the Palestinians and Israelis overcome obstacles to re-starting the peace process.
King Abdullah urged Europe to continue its efforts to achieve a political settlement to the conflict in Palestine, which is the core conflict in the region and to encourage the parties to the conflict to take practical steps to build confidence between them.
The King also briefed the ambassadors on Jordan's position on current developments in the Palestinian territories and its efforts to calm tensions in order to create an appropriate atmosphere for the resumption of serious negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. These negotiations should result in the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state living in peace with Israel, he said.
He also said negotiations should occur within the framework of international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, which constitutes an opportunity to achieve comprehensive and lasting peace which should not be missed.
King Abdullah called on the EU to continue offering economic and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, whose living conditions have deteriorated.
The King said the international community's support for Iraq and Lebanon was vital and called on the international community to achieve security and stability in both countries. He also expressed concern over the escalation of violence in Lebanon that threatens the country's security.
The meeting with the European ambassadors also discussed ways to develop Jordan's partnership with the EU and to increase cooperation, especially in the economic field and trade exchanges, as well as debt alleviation through the Paris Club.
King Abdullah expressed appreciation for the EU's continuing support to Jordan, which has helped Jordan to implement important development programs and highlighted the economic challenges that Jordan faces at this stage, especially the rise in oil prices on international markets.
Jordan is determined to push ahead with development in every sector, the King said, adding that this year will witness municipal and parliamentary elections that will strengthen the country's political life. He emphasized the importance of the participation of youth and women in upcoming elections.
King Abdullah also outlined Jordan's moves to coordinate between the G-11 and the G-8, and highlighted the objectives of the G-11.
The meeting was also attended by the Director of His Majesty's Office Bassem Awadallah and Foreign Minister Abdel Ilah Khatib.