King of Jordan Reiterates Importance of 'Two-State Solution'

King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)
King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)
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King of Jordan Reiterates Importance of 'Two-State Solution'

King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)
King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)

King of Jordan Abdallah II reiterated the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, that meets all the “legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.”

During an interview with Petra News Agency, King Abdallah said that the region and world as a whole cannot achieve security, stability, and peace without reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause that meets all the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on the two-state solution.

The monarch asserted that the two-state solution guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state on 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He noted that this ensures living in peace and security alongside Israel, in accordance with international law, recognized terms of reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The King asserted that the Palestinian cause is central to Jordan, saying: “We continue to stand alongside our Palestinian brethren with all our power and capabilities as they seek to gain their just and legitimate rights.”

Jordan is constantly communicating and coordinating with Palestinian officials in this regard.

“Our martyrs have given their lives to defend Palestinian soil and our ongoing efforts to reactivate the peace process will continue,” said the King, reiterating that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.



Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: Lebanon's Presidential Elections to Be Held on Time, No Prior Deal over Govt

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. (National News Agency)
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. (National News Agency)
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Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: Lebanon's Presidential Elections to Be Held on Time, No Prior Deal over Govt

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. (National News Agency)
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. (National News Agency)

Lebanon’s parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Friday that efforts are ongoing to hold the presidential elections on time on January 9.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said he had no intention to delay the elections and he had not received any request to that end from any of the political powers.

Lebanon has been without a head of state since October 2022 when the term of President Michel Aoun ended without the election of a successor. Bickering between the political blocs over a suitable candidate has thwarted the polls.

Efforts are underway to ensure that the elections are a success, declared Berri.

He denied claims that he was seeking understandings over the shape of the new government, including its prime minister, lineup and agenda, ahead of the elections.

The presidential elections come first, he stated.

There are constitutional guidelines that dictate what happens after the elections, he added, referring to the binding parliamentary consultations the new president will hold to name a new prime minister.

The prime minister, in turn, will hold non-binding consultations with lawmakers over the government lineup.

Berri declined to comment on his ally, former MP Walid Jumblatt’s endorsement of army commander Joseph Aoun as president, saying: “Everything will become clear during the elections.”

The speaker had previously said that Aoun’s election requires a constitutional amendment that demands the resignation of first-rank civil servants, including the army commander, at least two years before their election as president.

Aoun, who is not related to Michel Aoun, is projected to win 86 votes in the elections.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah MP Hussein al-Hajj Hassan dismissed the figure, saying no candidate has the needed number of votes to be elected president.

He added that Hezbollah is holding contacts over the elections but it does not have time to reveal what they have yielded.

The results will be revealed during the elections in January, he told the Sputnik news agency.