NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -Israelis and Palestinians must “rapidly” return to the negotiating table to bring about a two-state solution, Jordan’s King Abdullah II said Friday during a tour of the United States. “Both peoples, Palestinian and Israeli, are fed up with violence,” Abdullah said. | That's half-correct. |
Abdullah called the Palestinian elections last week “an important step in the history of the Palestinian people” and said “we have to respect their choice.” Abdullah reiterated his support for the road
Abdullah also discussed the need to restore stability and security to Iraq. “In Iraq, there is a huge responsibility also on the international community to support the Iraqi people as they rebuild their country and restore stability and security,” he said.
Abdullah praised the courage of Iraqis who voted in the December election amidst threats from insurgents and said he hopes “a coalition government will be formed, moving the country toward a more inclusive polity.” “As progress continues, as Iraqi security forces are strengthened, it is vital to maintain the security and stability needed for success,” he said.
Abdullah also discussed the broader needs of global security and the struggle for tolerance and dialogue. He renounced the talk of a “clash of civilizations” and said ”there are powerful bonds among Islam, Christianity, and Judaism” before quoting the Prophet Mohammed, the Torah and Jesus Christ. “My religion, Islam, is why traditional Muslims decisively reject extremist violence and hatred,” Abdullah said, citing the Amman Message which opposes false teachings of Islam and invalidates extremist fatwas that violate Islamic precepts and justify violence.
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Abdullah said Jordan is committed to its reform program and will not be deterred by security threats and extremist acts like the bombing in Amman last November.