Jordanian king: Progress on peace critical in 2007
King Abdallah visits Japan, warns Japan, international community of distrastrous consequences of ongoing stagnation of peace process; Japanese PM, king agree to promote stability in Middle East
King Abdallah II of Jordan said Friday during a three day visit to Japan that 2007 would be a “very crucial” year for the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis, and warned of “disastrous” consequences if no progress were carried out.
In his visit in Japan, which is one of the principal providers of assistance to the Middle East, King Abdallah urged the international community to again give hope to the Palestinians, during this time of violence in the Palestinian Territories and in the area.
“I believe that the chance for peace has been significantly reduced. The moment is not very far where we will be able to say that the Palestinians do not have any more future”, the king said during his speech in front of the Japanese Institute of international Business (JIIA).
“2007 will be a very crucial year and if we do not see progress in the next six or seven months, I think that we will never arrive at our objective. The consequences will be disastrous for us all, including for Israel”, he added.
During their meeting Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Abe told Jordan's king that Tokyo will actively get involved in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
The prime minister also said that Jordan's role is becoming increasingly important in the region in the wake of the worsening situation in Iraq and conflicts in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, it said.
King Abdullah said that Jordan wants to work together with Japan and commended Tokyo's role as a fair mediator in the region.
