His Majesty King Abdullah II affirmed that Jordan will continue its contacts with officials in the US administration to support efforts being exerted by the Palestinian Prim Minister Mahmoud Abbas to pave the way for launching peace talks.



The remarks came during talks with the Palestinian prime minister during which His Majesty was briefed on the outcome of Abbas's visit to the United States and the discussions he held with US President Geroge Bush and other officials and leaders of the US Congress.



The King expressed his hope that the meetings of the Palestinian prime minister with US officials would support to the Palestinian stand and efforts that aim at implementing the roadmap.



His Majesty stressed the importance of Israel's commitment to stop the construction of settlements and to continue releasing prisoners.



Abbas for his part said that there was a great understanding on part of the US president and officials on the issues that havce been discussed in these meetings specially with regard to the Palestinian prisoners, settlement and the "security" wall which is being built by Israel in the Palestinian land.



"I explained to the American officials and the Jewish organizations the Palestinian stand toward these issues," he said, pointing out that we are waiting for the return of Israeli Prim Minister Sharon from Washington to see what accomplishments we can achieve.