AMMAN: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a surprise visit to Amman on Tuesday where he discussed with King Abdallah the prospects for starting "serious and effective" direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians, according to a royal court statement.
"The discussions focused on current efforts aimed at finding the suitable environment for launching effective and serious, direct negotiations that address all final status issues in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, and lead to the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state that lives in peace with Israel," the statement said.
During the meeting, King Abdallah urged Israel to "stop all unilateral actions that impede the realization of the two-state solution which is a pre-requisite for regional stability and security".
Netanyahu's visit to Jordan coincided with efforts aimed at convincing the Palestinians to shift to direct negotiations from the ongoing US-brokered proximity talks.
US President Barack Obama is reportedly pressing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other moderate Arab leaders to support face-to-face negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Arab follow-up committee composed of foreign ministers is due to meet on Thursday to consider the feasibility of shifting to direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians. ¬
