His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday renewed a call for a continued and more active US role in helping the Palestinians and Israelis proceed with peace negotiations to reach a just and permanent solution to the Middle East conflict.

Such a solution, His Majesty said, should lead to an end to occupation and an independent Palestinian state that lives side by side with Israel.

The King made his remarks during a meeting on Tuesday with Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, who is on a visit to the region, accompanied by Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Joe Lieberman.

King Abdullah said it was important to encourage the Palestinians and Israelis to honour their commitments and reach comprehensive solutions to final status issues.

His Majesty warned against the failure of the peace process, emphasising that finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, the core conflict in the region, is the key for settling other conflicts and ensuring stability and security in the Middle East.

The King also stressed the need to back the Palestinian Authority and improve the deteriorating economic conditions of the Palestinians, commending a recent decision by the US Congress to extend urgent financial aid to the PA.

At his meeting with McCain, King Abdullah voiced appreciation for the US assistance that helps the country implement development programmes in various fields.

Discussions also covered the situation in Iraq.

The senators briefed King Abdullah on their visit to Iraq, as part of their regional tour, and developments at the political and security levels.