His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the latest developments in the peace process and efforts exerted to end the siege on Gaza, according to a Royal Court statement.During the meeting, the King and the Palestinian president urged the international community to take immediate and effective action to end the blockade on the coastal enclave, which constitutes a flagrant breach of international law.
King Abdullah and Abbas also discussed steps that need to be taken so that world countries would adopt a strong position against Israeli policies that hamper the peace process.
They also condemned Israel’s decision to deport four members of the Palestinian Legislative Council from Jerusalem as well as its decision to go ahead with the construction of an archaeological park in the Silwan area of East Jerusalem, which would entail demolishing 22 Palestinian homes.
The two leaders stressed that Israel needs to cease its unilateral measures, noting that they contravene international law and undermine the efforts deployed to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution.
In remarks to reporters after the meeting, Abbas condemned Israeli authorities for giving the green light to build the park and approving the demolition of Palestinian homes, calling the decision an obstacle to peace talks.
He called on the US in particular to pressure Israel over the construction plans.
The Palestinian president, who is currently holding indirect talks with Israel through US mediation in a bid to end the stalemate in the peace process, said his side would consider engaging in direct talks only if Israel meets Palestinian demands that have been presented in recent meetings.
“Going to direct talks requires progress on the Israeli side regarding the issues we presented to them. Therefore, if there is progress, we will think about returning to direct talks,” Abbas said.
The Palestinian president also urged Israel to open all crossings with Gaza and allow all types of goods to enter the Hamas-controlled strip.
“Israel must stop the siege immediately and allow all goods to enter Gaza,” he said. Abbas declined to say whether he was considering a visit to Gaza in the near future.
King Abdullah also briefed Abbas on the outcome of talks he held with US President Barack Obama on June 9, as well as his recent talks with UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
In these meetings, the Monarch called for international action to remove obstacles to peace and end the suffering of the Palestinians, especially in Gaza. source: JT
