Jordan: Israeli security, 1967 borders key to peace

King Abdullah tells World Economic Forum acceptance of Israel, security and Palestinian state within 1967 borders keys to peace.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
King Abdullah_311 reuters (photo credit: Alexander Natruskin / Reuters)
King Abdullah_311 reuters
(photo credit: Alexander Natruskin / Reuters)
Jordan’s King Abdullah II said on Saturday that a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians would have to ensure Israel’s security and acceptance and enable the creation of a Palestinian state.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Jordan, Abdullah went on to criticize “short-sighted leaders, who think they can close the door to peace.”
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According to the Petra News Agency, Abdullah met with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad on the sidelines of the forum, affirming his support for a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
The forum, held on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea, brought together more than 1,000 people from 50 countries for two days of discussion on Arab economic development.
Abdullah’s statements come after Palestinian lead negotiator Saeb Erekat revealed that the PA rejected an offer by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to return to negotiations in exchange for a partial settlement freeze.
Netanyahu reportedly offered to freeze all government construction in the West Bank, but would continue to allow private construction to continue.
Israeli officials denied the change of positions. The offer was reportedly transmitted to the PA through an intermediary last month.