King receives Abbas

Amman
24 October 2005

His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday stressed the importance of resuming dialogue and negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis over the final status issues.



King Abdullah, who received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after his recent talks with US President George W. Bush, expressed Jordan's support to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to resume talks with Israel and stressed that withdrawal from Gaza should be followed by other withdrawals from the West Bank in accordance with the road map.



His Majesty reiterated Jordan's full support to PNA's efforts to build efficient institutions and realize a better life for the Palestinian people.



The King pointed out to the need to unify the Palestinian position and to ensure the participation of all Palestinians in building a secure and promising future that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people.



On his part, President Abbas briefed His Majesty on his talks with US President George Bush, and his talks and meetings last week with French President Jacques Chirac and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.



During the meeting, President Abbas voiced appreciation for His Majesty's support to the Palestinian people.



Abbas said that the meeting with President Bush and the US officials was very significant, adding that he demanded an end to Israel's settlement activities and the construction of the separation barrier.



He highlighted the need for more coordination and contacts with the Israeli side during the coming days in order to discuss several pending issues and help resume the peace process.