His Majesty King Abdullah said that there is a real opportunity now to achieve peace in the region and establish a sovereign Palestinian state which guarantees dignity and future for Palestinians, while at the same time provide peace, security and regional acceptance to Israel.



“Success requires tremendous efforts and courage to go ahead and achieve the
desired peace," the King Abdullah told Spain's El Pais newspaper in an interview published today.



On Iraq, the King said representatives of the entire country's spectra should take part in drafting their country's constitution. “Jordan respects the Iraqi people's decision, and stresses the importance of a representative government. We want Iraq for Iraqis without any external influence,” he said.



Responding to a question on Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination, King Abdullah said he has lost a moderate friend who worked for the future and unity of Lebanon. "The Lebanese have lost an important figure that contributed to guiding Lebanon into the right track," the King added.



On extremism, King Abdullah said the phenomenon does not only threaten Arabs, but also the entire international community. He stressed that there should be collective and comprehensive efforts to counter extremism. His Majesty said the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as well as the twin ills of poverty and unemployment are among the main reasons behind extremism.



The King also said he will hold talks with EU leaders during his upcoming visit to Spain on means to push forward the peace process, particularly after the successful Palestinian election and the Sharm El Sheikh summit.



On domestic affairs, the King said development plans as well as political and socio-economic reform aim at improving the living conditions of citizens and enhancing their participation in political life.