WASHINGTON,
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 (WAFA) – Jordan’s King Abdullah Monday stressed the need
for the establishment of the Palestinian state in talks with US President Joe
Biden in Washington.
According
to the official Jordanian news agency (Petra), Abdullah II emphasized the need
for the Palestinian people to attain their legitimate rights and establish
their independent, sovereign and viable state based on the June 1967 borders,
with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Petra
said that Abdullah’s meeting with Biden touched upon several issues, with the
Palestinian question as the top item on the agenda.
Jordan’s
monarch, the first Arab world leader to meet face-to-face with Biden, also
emphasized that serious and effective Palestinian-Israeli negotiations must be initiated
to being about just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
Focusing
on the recent developments in Jerusalem, that have witnessed intensified forced
expulsions of Palestinians, Abdullah II underscored the need to maintain the
historical and legal status quo in the city, particularly at Al-Aqsa Mosque/ Haram al-Sharif, as
well as his country’s continuing historic role in safeguarding the Islamic and
Christian holy sites in line with its continuing custodianship over the sites.
He
expressed appreciation of the US administration’s steps with regard to the
Palestinian question, including the resumption of financial aid worth $318
million to the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees
(UNRWA).
Meanwhile,
the White House said in a press statement that President Biden
reaffirmed his support for “a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict” and respect for Jordan’s custodianship in Jerusalem.
“The
leaders also consulted on opportunities to enhance peace and stability in the
Middle East. In that regard, the President expressed his strong support for a
two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and respect for Jordan’s
special role as custodian of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem,” the statement
said.
“President
Biden commended the important role Jordan plays in the wider stability of the
region,” it added.
K.F.
