Pakistan-Jordan Talks: Strong New Initiative on Palestine Urged                            
By Tabinda al-Ghazala 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent

AMMAN (Jordan): Pakistan and Jordan on Tuesday pointing at the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, urged for a strong new initiative to effectively address the issues, and warned against missing another opportunity to bring peace and security to the region and the world at large.

In statements read by President General Pervez Musharraf and King Abdullah II of Jordan after their exclusive and delegation-level talks here at the Presidential Palace, the two leaders described their talks on the challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah as “useful and productive”.

The President who is on a whirlwind tour of five Arab countries spoke about the grave concern and the urgency for a new strong initiative to effectively address the unresolved issue of Palestine and added it remains central to peace and security in the region and beyond.

“We also remain deeply concerned about the increasing cycle of violence in Iraq and troubles in Lebanon,” the President said and mentioned the serious challenge being faced by the Muslim world in their common fight against terrorism and extremism.

“There is an ever increasing need for harmony within the Muslim world,” President stressed.

King Abdullah II also spoke of the shared concern of the two countries about regional and global security confronting the Muslim world.

“We see eye to eye on all these issues,” Abdullah said and added Pakistan’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict reflects its belief in just and legitimate solution to this crisis.

“President Musharraf shares our sense of urgency that another opportunity not be missed to reach a lasting solution to the Arab-Israel conflict,” King Abdullah said.

The President also mentioned his discussions with the Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and said he found complete convergence of views during the consultations.

“The developments impact on all of us and together we need to play a role to avert the dangers facing us,” the President added.

King Abdullah said in his talks he also discussed the shared concerns about Iraq and expressed mutual commitment to helping ensure the unity and stability of that country.

“We also talked about the importance of ensuring the sovereignty, security and stability of Lebanon and Afghanistan, as well as the importance of finding a diplomatic solution to the tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.”

The two leaders also discussed their bilateral relations. President Musharraf said these have already acquired a strategic dimension. “We will continue to work together to strengthen these all aspects for mutual benefit and for the promotion of peace and development in our region.”

King Abdullah said the two sides reviewed how to enhance their political and economic coordination and said the two countries will be able to launch the Jordan-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue later this spring and said it will provide the framework for enhancing and widening the scope of cooperation.

He said the two leaders also discussed the launching of the new global initiative of G 11 partnership of eleven countries that share many similar challenges and said the grouping was in need for continued support to forge ahead with reform programs.

The two discussed preparations for the next G 11 summit on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Jordan in May, besides their efforts to engage the G8 members to assist in achieving these goals.

Later, King Abdullah bid farewell to President Musharraf, who left for Damascus to discuss the Middle East situation with President Bashar al-Assad.

Talks with Syrian President

And in Damascus, President General Pervez Musharraf and President Bashar al-Assad of Syria on Tuesday held in-depth discussions on the Palestinian issue and called for its early resolution to end conflicts and tension in the region.

President Musharraf flew into the Syrian capital to discuss the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, particularly the issue of Palestine, following talks with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

The President embarked on the tour of five Arab countries on Saturday to discuss a strategy and strong new initiative with the leaders of key Muslim countries to avert the dangers confronting the Ummah.

In his talks he urged the need for harmony within the Muslim world and unity to address the dangers it faces.

The President shared his deep concern over the situation in the Middle East and said in his talks with other leaders of the Muslim world there was an agreement on the need for urgent fresh efforts involving Arab and other influential Muslim countries for peace and conflict resolution in the Middle East.

The President said there was a common perception that the Palestine issue continues to be at the heart of tension and conflict in the region and requires a strong political and diplomatic initiative on the part of the Muslim countries.

President Bashar was supportive of President Musharraf's peace efforts for the Middle East and apprised him of serious efforts in this regard. He said collective efforts were needed by the Muslim countries for an early resolution of Palestine dispute.

Leaves for Abu Dhabi

Later, President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday left for Abu Dhabi on the last leg of his five-nation visit of the Middle East countries.He was seen off at Damascus International Airport by President Bashar al-Assad.

President Musharraf during his visit to Abu Dhabi will hold talks with the ruler of Abu Dhabi on regional and international issues with particular reference to the Palestine issue.●