His Majesty King Abdullah II said Israel should shoulder its responsibilities in creating the proper conditions to push ahead with negotiations with the Palestinians along the two-state solution.

During a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, King Abdullah said Israel should take immediate steps to end its settlement activities and the blockade against the Palestinians. These measures, he added, will have a major impact on the progress of the negotiations.

The King stressed the need for the Palestinians and Israel to reach a comprehensive peace agreement this year that addresses final-status issues and leads to an independent Palestinian state living in peace and security with Israel.

During the meeting, which took place on the margins of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East, King Abdullah called for supporting efforts by the Palestinian National Authority to improve the living standards and economic conditions of the Palestinian people.