His Majesty King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania on Wednesday met with a group of independent eminent global leaders who use their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address the causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

During the meeting, King Abdullah warned that a high price will be borne should current peace efforts fail. Addressing the Elders, as the group is known, the King said efforts to achieve a two-state settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict should be intensified.

He also outlined the latest developments in peace efforts and obstacles to progress, saying that it is imperative to establish an environment conducive to direct talks between the Palestinians and Israelis that address all final status issues. He said Israel is required to halt its unilateral measures, particularly settlements.

King Abdullah commended the Elders' contributions to conflict resolution and the preservation of international security and peace.

The delegation, headed by former President of Ireland Mary Richardson, briefed the King on other meetings in the region. Former US president Jimmy Carter and former Algerian diplomat and UN official Lakhdar Brahimi, as well as Indian humanitarian activist Ela Bhatt, were among the visiting delegation.

The Elders were brought together by former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in 2007. The Elders carry out initiatives in two broad areas: promoting dialogue and peace building; and supporting efforts to alleviate human suffering, particularly caused by armed conflict, extreme poverty, injustice or intolerance.