Kerry and Jordanian king discuss peace efforts

Jordanian King Abdullah II met with the US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday. They discussed  bilateral relations and efforts exerted to achieve peace in the Middle East, in addition to the recent developments witnessed in the Syrian conflict. The two officials also discussed US efforts to launch the peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians to pave the way for achieving a two-state solution. The Jordanian king stressed that his country will resume its efforts to bridge the gap between the different parties to revive peace negotiations. He warned of the measures taken by Israel individually and its consecutive attacks against the Islamic and Christian holy places, stressing that such violations threaten  efforts aiming to achieve peace. He stressed the need to establish an independent Palestinian state to pave way for achieving security and stability in the region. He expressed his support for the Arab Peace Initiative launched in 2002, adding that it provides a serious opportunity to achieve inclusive peace in the Middle East. Regarding the Syrian crisis, the Jordanian king stressed his country’s insistence on achieving a political solution for suspending the current bloodshed to protect the unity of Syria and the independence of its territories.