Jordan's King urges Arab, Islamic organisations to serve nation’s causes in US... peace efforts should lead to the two-state solution based on international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which, he said, was a historical turning point.

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His Majesty King Abdullah is greeted by leaders of Arab and Islamic organisations in the US ahead of a meeting in Washington on Monday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

http://jordantimes.com/king-urges-arab-islamic-organisations-to-serve-nations-causes-in-us

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday met with a number of Arab and Islamic organisation leaders in the US.

Discussions focused on regional developments and the role these entities play in serving Arab and Muslim causes in US decision-making circles.

The King stressed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the core issue in the Middle East, adding that arriving at a just and comprehensive solution to this decades-old conflict requires support from the international community, including Arab and Islamic organisations operating in the US, according to a Royal Court statement.

He added that peace efforts should lead to the two-state solution based on international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which, he said, was a historical turning point.

The solution should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital and that lives side-by-side with Israel.

The Monarch said Jordan places final status issues related to the Middle East conflict at the top of its higher national interests, noting that the Kingdom continues to support Palestinians’ rights, especially in establishing their state on their own national soil.

King Abdullah warned against Israeli unilateral measures, particularly settlement expansion and attempts to undermine the Arab, Muslim and Christian identity of Jerusalem, which, he said, increases tension and instability and affects peace chances.

He underlined the significant role the Arab and Islamic organisations play in supporting US endeavours to push forward the peace process.

Discussions also covered efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, safeguarding the country’s unity and bringing an end to the suffering of its people, and limiting the number of refugees in neighbouring countries, especially Jordan, whose limited resources are under tremendous pressure due to hosting a great number of Syrians.

The King warned of attempts to turn the Syrian conflict into a sectarian one, citing its dangerous effects on the entire region.

His Majesty highlighted a conference that Jordan recently hosted, where leading Muslim scholars examined ways to promote tolerance among the followers of various sects.

The Kingdom also hosted another conference, where discussions focused on the challenges facing Arab Christians, with participants stressing the need to respect all opinions and promote interfaith tolerance.

His Majesty stressed the important role that Arab and Muslim leaders can play in presenting to US decision makers issues facing the Arab and Muslim worlds, adding that they can work to build bridges with the West.

Arab and Muslim communities in the US have had a positive part in building American society and entrenching its values, the King said.

Also during the meeting, the Monarch highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in its comprehensive reform drive, which is aimed at meeting present and future aspirations of all Jordanians ...READ MORE