His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said the call by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for an internal Palestinian dialogue should be a starting point towards enhancing national unity and empowering the Palestinians to restore their legitimate rights and create an independent state on their national soil.

The King made his remarks at a meeting on Wednesday with Abbas, where he reiterated Jordan's support for efforts exerted by the Palestinian leader towards realising this objective.

His Majesty also stressed the need for continued involvement by the international community in the Mideast peace process to realise tangible progress in the negotiations so they will lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

At the meeting, the King said the continued Israeli settlement activity, especially in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, pose a major threat to the stability and security of the region.

The two leaders also called on Israel to honour its commitments to international agreements regarding final status issues, including the refugees problem.

Abbas, for his part, briefed King Abdullah on the Palestinian Authority's position seeking to open a national dialogue with Hamas.

He also outlined the outcome of his recent meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and Saudi and Egyptian leaders. He also acquainted the King on the situation in the ongoing negotiations with Israel.