Judah, Ki-moon discuss peace efforts

Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Nasser Judah on Thursday discussed with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, ways to support the peace efforts and negotiations, which began yesterday, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East. The two sides reviewed efforts being made to launch peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, especially those led by US. Talks also touched on regional issues, especially the Syrian crisis and its humanitarian impacts on Jordan that has limited capabilities and is facing difficult economic conditions. In a joint press statement after the meeting, Judah said Ki-Moon’s visit to Jordan was aimed at giving a push to negotiations which started under the auspices of the U.S. Judah outlined efforts made by Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II to resume negotiations that should lead to the establishment of a sovereign independent Palestinian state, on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. Judah also appreciated for the UN’s efforts and those of it’s Secretary-General in supporting the negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis. On his part, Ki-Moon praised Jordan’s efforts under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II for resumption of the negotiations, stressing that UN was keen to support and encourage the start of the negotiations in order to achieve a two-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative. He also called on the Palestinian and Israeli sides to exert all possible efforts for the success of these negotiations and achieve the desired progress in the peace process with the support of the international community.