Jordanian King Abdullah II on Sunday discussed with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas the situation in the Palestinian territories and peace efforts in the Middle East. King Abdullah II reiterated Jordan's full support to the Palestinian National Authority in its efforts to realize the aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and liberty. The King stressed that resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must address all final status issues at the top of which are the refugees and Jerusalem. He added that any peace settlement must arrive at a just and comprehensive peace that restores the rights of all and defuse tension in the region. King Abdullah II said the continuation of Israel's settlement-building policies undermines peacemaking efforts and does not help in building confidence between the Palestinians and Israelis. In remarks to the Jordan Television following the meeting, President Abbas said he discussed with King Abdullah a number of issues including plans to apply to the United Nations for a Palestinian state on 1967 borders, Palestinian reconciliation and developments in the Arab world. Responding on a question on the Palestinian reconciliation, President Abbas explained that "the issue is stalled at government formation, and we said more than once that the Palestinian government we seek is neither a national unity nor a power-sharing government but a transitional government of independents."
