His Majesty King Abdullah said action from the international community in the coming few months would be key to realizing a lasting and just settlement for the Palestinian issue, which, he said, is the core of conflict in the region. Only a settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can put an end to violence in the region, he said.

The King was speaking during a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D' Alema, who is visiting Jordan as part of his tour of the region.

During the meeting, the King and the Italian Minister stressed that unilateral solutions could not deliver lasting peace and said that only negotiations could lead to lasting peace, noting that conflict in Gaza and Lebanon have proved the failure of unilateralism.

The King briefed the Italian official on Jordan's cooperative efforts with Arab and Islamic countries to achieve a lasting regional peace. Israeli withdrawal from all occupied lands and the establishment of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security are the essential elements of last peace, he said.

The King and D'Alema reiterated their support for the formation of a Palestinian national unity government and the resumption of peace talks, noting that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is a credible peace partner.

The King also said that it was important to support the Lebanese government to secure the deployment of peacekeeping forces in that country so that a full Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon can be achieved. He added that Lebanon's sovereignty must be respected and said Lebanon needs international support to rebuild all that was destroyed during Israel's bombardment of the country.

On the Iraqi issue, the King and the Italian official stressed their support for the Iraqi government's efforts to achieve security and stability through an inclusive political process in the country.

King Abdullah lauded the role of Italy and the European Union in advancing regional peace, mentioning Italy's substantial contribution to peacekeeping forces in south Lebanon.

The King's meeting with D'Alema was also attended by Director of His Majesty King Abdullah's Office Bassem Awadallah, Special Advisor Farouq Qasrawi, and Foreign Minister Abdel Ilah Al Khatib.