His Majesty King Abdullah II said that any reform process in the Arab countries should emerge from within, affirming that he will carry this message to the G8 summit which will start in the United States on Tuesday.



In an interview with the Agence France press, (AFP) conducted by Randa Habib, His Majesty said that this is important for the success of the reform process, indicating that the initiative of the G-8 countries should be viewed as a serious effort for the formation of a long term partnership between these countries and the Arab countries.



King Abdullah underlined the importance of ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian lands, and ensure a full implementation of the roadmap peace plan, which includes Israel's withdrawal from the West Bank and the establishment of an independent state on the Palestinian lands.



His Majesty welcomed the formation of the new Iraqi government, affirming that Jordan would continue its support to the Iraqi government to enable it to build its institutions.



His Majesty said that reform cannot be viewed in isolation of the central question looming heavy on the region and that is the Arab-Israeli conflict.



He explained that the reform programme adopted in Tunis was based on the Arab need and on revisions of many earlier ideas put forward by the west and the United State taking into consideration "each stat's particularities".



"What emerged in Tunis helped narrow the gap between Arab views and those of the West," the King added, indicating that the gap between these ideas has been largely bridged. "It is important to stress that a statement of principles on reform and a plan of action to implement these reforms are not quite the same. A commitment to common principles is acceptable, but a one blue print for all is not," he said His Majesty said that what remains is to deal with Arabs (Countries), their issues and their particularities with dialogue and understanding.



"This dialogue is important and its success is key in achieving the reform and progress we all are working towards," King Abdullah said.



King Abdullah hoped that the United Nations, which contributed to the formation of a new government in Baghdad, will continue to play a key role. "What is important for us now is to move forward towards elections next year, and it is important for the United Nations to play a central role in helping prepare for elections and to contribute to supervising
them," the King said.



He also insisted on the future unity of Iraq that would guarantee the rights of minority and not only the majority. "We hope that this will be done, and that those overseeing the elections will ensure it is done," His Majesty added.



On the situation in the Palestinian lands, the King said that the displacement of thousands of innocent civilians in Rafah is not accepted at all, and the destruction of the infrastructure and houses does not serve peace but leads to more violence. "We have to double our efforts to ensure a return to the peace process, and provide a brighter future for the Palestinians and Israelis," he added.



His Majesty said that Jordan was wiling to train Palestinian police and security forces as part of overall efforts to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands in line with the internationally-backed roadmap for peace.