His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday reiterated a call for continued US support for the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations during the coming months.

King Abdullah told US President George W. Bush during a White House meeting that Washington can help overcome impediments to progress in talks between both sides aimed at reaching a peace agreement that will settle final status issues and lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

King Abdullah said that negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis should have clear parameters and fixed timeframes, adding that all parties should honour the commitments made at the Annapolis peace meeting late last year.

President Bush's upcoming visit to the region can help push peace efforts forward and encourage Palestinians and Israelis to achieve tangible progress in their negotiations, the King said.

He added that Israel should refrain from measures that would jeopardise negotiations with the Palestinians and called for an end to all Israeli settlement activities and a lifting of the economic blockade and Israeli restrictions on the movement of Palestinians.

King Abdullah emphasised the importance of supporting the Palestinian Authority's efforts to improve the living conditions of the Palestinian people and strengthen its institutional performance.

The King also reviewed efforts to enhance security and stability in Iraq and find a solution to the political crisis in Lebanon.

King Abdullah expressed appreciation for US assistance to Jordan, which, he said, contributes to the Kingdom's development.