Last update - 00:00 04/09/2007
EU foreign policy chief, Jordanian FM discuss Mideast peace moves
By DPA
European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdelelah Al-Khatib on Monday to discuss ongoing efforts to bring the
Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiating table, according to an official statement.
The two men agreed that the upcoming international Middle East peace conference proposed by United States President George W. Bush "should be preceded by good preparations," the statement said.
Khatib said the proposed conference should lead to "real progress on the Palestinian track and the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state within a specific period of time."
Solana briefed Khatib on the outcome of his earlier talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials, the statement said.
The Jordanian foreign minister kept Solana informed about efforts being exerted by Jordan's King Abdullah II to rally support for the resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, it added.
King Abdullah returned home Monday from Paris where he held talks with French President Nicholas Sarkozy and urged a "larger French role" in moves aimed at helping the Palestinian and Israelis to restart talks on final status issues such as Jerusalem, the settlements, the Palestinian refugees and final borders.