His Majesty King Abdullah II said he hoped Lebanon would remain strong and unified in a difficult time.



The King was speaking during a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry. He stressed that Lebanese-Syrian discord must be resolved through dialogue and understanding to realize the interest of both nations.



King Abdullah expressed Jordan's confidence that an international investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, who died in a bomb blast in February 2005, would reveal the truth of the facts surrounding his death in due time. In the meantime, he said, continuing communication between Jordan and Lebanon will help Lebanon surmount the crisis.



Berry expressed appreciation for King Abdullah's concern about Lebanon and said he was keen to enhance bilateral relations with Jordan.



Berry briefed the King and Lower House Speaker Abdul Hadi Majali on the latest developments in Lebanon, stressing the importance of dialogue between all Lebanese parties to resolve differences. He said an initiative to solve the Lebanese crisis is underway. He also expressed hope that tensions between Syria and Lebanon would not lead to the rupture of relations between the two countries.



Also on Sunday, King Abdullah received Yemeni Speaker of Parliament Abdul Aziz Abdul Ghani and discussed with him means of enhancing bilateral relations in various sectors. During the meeting, the King reviewed regional developments, stressing the Arab Parliamentary Union's central role in defending the Arab nation against the challenges it now faces to its identity, religion and developmental progress. The King expressed hope that the upcoming Arab Summit, to be held in Sudan next month, will advance proposals that serve Arab cooperation and coordination.



The Yemeni official conveyed to the King the regards of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. He commended Jordan's prosperity in various sectors, expressing his country's willingness to benefit from the Jordanian experience.