His Majesty King Abdullah II, Sunday, met U.S. Assistant Secretary of State William Burns, who briefed King Abdullah on the U.S. efforts to find an way out of the intense situation in the Palestinian areas and to resume peace talks.

King Abdullah underlined the necessity to take speedy steps to avert further aggravation in the situation and prevent more suffering of the Palestinian people resulting from Israeli siege and other oppressive measures.

The U.S. and international effort is very essential and tangible and rapid steps should be taken on the ground to bring hopes for the future of the Palestinians people, King Abdullah said. Any international efforts should be based on international legitimacy and the Arab peace initiative. King Abdullah affirmed.

For his part, Burns affirmed the U.S. commitment to President Bush's vision to achieve peace in the region and help the Palestinian and Israeli sides to settle their standing issues and go back to the table of negotiations.