Jordanian King and EU's Solana warn of prolonged Palestinian-Israeli negotiations

Monday September 15, 2008 15:31 by Rami Almeghari - IMEMC & Agencies

Jordanian King, Abdullah II and European Union representative for foreign policy affairs, Javier Solana, warned yesterday of a prolonged Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations, should a solution is not reached by end of this year.

During a meeting in the Jordanian capital of Amman with King Abdullah II, Mr. Solana, said " the Israeli settlement activities on the occupied Palestinian territories would undermine the peace process".

From his part, the Jordanian Monarch emphasized on the significance of the EU's role in the upcoming months in terms of supporting the security and stability of the Middle East as well as backing up the peace process efforts.

He also stressed on the need for improving the living conditions of Palestinians who live under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian National Authority, hailing the EU's constant support to the Palestinian people.

In addition, King Abdullah slammed the Israeli settlement activities as an impediment to peace-making efforts.

Mr. Solana , was quoted as saying " the European Union will use political pressure in order to ensure a Palestinian-Israeli agreement".

Asked whether the EU will help lift the Israeli blockade on Gaza, Mr. Solana was quoted as saying " our policy and objective is reopening the crossings for the population and the goods alike. But the responsibility for reopening such crossings is not ours".

Solana's visit to Jordan was the last of a middle eastern trip , where he visited Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Since the Washington-sponsored Annapolis peace conference in November2007, Palestinians and Israelis have not reached an agreement , expected to be achieved by the end of 2008, based on U.S President Gorge W. Bush's vision of a two-state solution.

arab world | peace process | news report rami at imemc dot org