King urges swift, effective solution to escalating Syria crisis

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday emphasised the important role US Arab and Islamic organisations can play in communicating the issues of the Arab nations to decision makers in the US.

He said that these organisations can help entrench understanding and stretch bridges of cooperation and dialogue between the Arab and Islamic worlds from one end, and Western countries from the other.

He made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of Arab and Islamic organisations in Washington.

King Abdullah also stressed the need for intensifying global efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to the escalating Syrian crisis, and its consequences as more refugees flee into neighbouring countries. Currently, an estimated 500,000 displaced Syrians are taking refuge from the violence in their country in Jordan.

His Majesty pointed to the pressure on Jordan’s infrastructure and services as a result of the influx of Syrian refugees, including hospitals and schools, the latter of which have received an additional 42,000 students since the conflict began.

He emphasised that the international community must shoulder its responsibilities, supporting Jordan in dealing with this urgent situation.

His Majesty stressed that in the absence of a solution for the Syrian crisis, it will escalate and violence will increase, which will have negative consequences on the future of the Middle East.

Regarding the situation in Syria, the King reiterated a call for a comprehensive and political transitional process that ends the bloodshed and safeguards the unity and sovereignty of Syria, describing the current situation as “disastrous”.

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His Majesty King Abdullah addresses representatives of Arab and Islamic organisations in Washington on Monday (Photo by Yousef Allan)