FM: No Palestinian-Israeli meetings in Amman next week
http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=57066&CatID=13

Amman, Jan 25 (Petra) - Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Wednesday said the
recent meetings held in Amman between the Palestinian and Israeli sides,
were initiated in close coordination with the Palestinian brothers.

The foreign minister added: "No meetings will be held in Amman between the
Palestinians and Israelis next week, so as to allow us to assess where we
are and how to move to the next stage." Judeh told (Petra) that meetings
were an attempt to break the impasse in the peace process, stemming from the
Jordanian-Palestinian conviction that the deadlock has a negative impact and
that negotiations are the best way to establish an independent Palestinian
state.

"The ultimate goal we all strive for is an independent Palestinian state on
Palestinian national soil based on international legitimacy resolutions, and
agreed upon terms of reference namely the Arab peace initiative and the
statement of the Quartet on issued on September 23." the minister said.

He added that: "We had contacts with all concerned parties and the
international Quartet and started a series of exploratory meetings between
the Palestinian and Israeli sides to create an appropriate climate to move
to direct, serious and effective negotiations that address all final status
issues, especially the issues of Jerusalem and refugees." Judeh pointed out
that all final status issues affect the interests of Jordan and that Jordan
is concerned with all these issues.

Despite differences in stances, Judeh said, the meetings were marked with
clarity, frankness and seriousness, adding: "we are currently evaluating of
the results of this effort through consultation in the coming days with
concerned parties, the international Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative
Committee." He stressed that stressed that Jordan will continue making
contacts and holding meetings and make all efforts to reach a comprehensive
assessment on mechanism needed to continue these negotiations and how move
to the next phase.

//Petra// AA
25/1/2012 - 09:58:06 PM