by Mohammad Ghazal THE JORDAN TIMES

DOHA — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday said that the international community is responsible for restoring the trust between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and reviving the peace process.

His Majesty emphasised the importance of engaging all parties to find a comprehensive political solution that will end the suffering of the Syrian people, and put an end to the cycle of violence and bloodshed, while preserving the unity of Syria’s people and land.

The King made the remarks during the 24th Arab Summit’s ordinary session in Doha. (See full text of speech)

His Majesty said that unilateral Israeli measures are an obstacle to peace, urging the international community to pressure Israel to stop expanding its occupation policy in the West Bank that seeks to alter the identity of Jerusalem, threaten sacred Islamic and Christian sites, and impose a new reality on the grounds of Al Aqsa Mosque.

He emphasised the necessity of dealing with all the final status issues, in a way that leads to the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital — based on the two-state solution, international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The King said that Jordan will continue to stand up to all Israeli schemes using all possible means and in coordination with Palestine, adding that Jordan is looking forward to receiving the support of the Arabs in its efforts to safeguard Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian sacred sites.

His Majesty warned that the tragic situation in Syria is dangerously escalating, pointing out that this situation has imposed huge and exceptional burdens on Syria’s neighbouring countries, as a result of the massive flow of Syrian refugees.

He said that Jordan is still receiving hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, in spite of its limited capabilities and the tough economic situation it is facing.

On the sidelines of the summit, His Majesty met with Iraqi Vice President Khudeir Musa Al Khuzai and discussed bilateral ties and means to boost further cooperation.

Discussions also covered developments in the Middle East and means to push the peace process forward, especially efforts to attain lasting and comprehensive peace.

The discussions also included the Syrian crisis and its consequences on the regional countries, and the burdens shouldered by states hosting Syrian refugees.

His Majesty, who returned home later on Tuesday, voiced appreciation for the Arab states that provided support to Jordan in hosting the Syrian refugees.

King Abdullah and the Iraqi vice president voiced hope that the summit will enhance the joint Arab action in facing different challenges.

Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah met with Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zidan and discussed means to develop bilateral ties in different fields.

Talks also covered means to enhance joint Arab action and regional developments, including the Syrian crisis.

In his speech at the summit, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas voiced appreciation of Arab countries’ and Jordan’s support to the Palestinians and Jerusalem.

Abbas warned that Israel is working to alter the identity of Jerusalem, calling for an action by all Arabs.

The Palestinian president also urged the Arab states to pressure Israel to release the Palestinian prisoners and end their tragedy as they face mistreatment in Israeli jails.

He also welcomed the proposal for holding a summit in Cairo for reconciliation, calling for an immediate end to the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

During the summit, the Iraqi vice president called for a conference in solidarity with Jerusalem and its Palestinian residents and to protect the sacred sites in the holy city.

He also reiterated Iraq’s support for the Palestinian issue and the Arab nations aspiring to democracy, freedom and social equality.

http://jordantimes.com/jordan-will-continue-to-stand-up-to-all-israeli-schemes—-king

His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, attends the 24th Arab Summit in Doha on Tuesday (Photo by Yousef Allan)