His Majesty King Abdullah once again called for American leadership in bringing about serious negotiations to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution.
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press”, aired Sunday at the conclusion of his visit to the US, King Abdullah said that, historically, both sides have always come to the negotiating table with an excuse not to go the last mile.
Stressing that US President Barack Obama understands this issue very well, the Monarch said: "For the first time, I think Americans can clearly say that a two-state solution is in the vital national interests of the United States."
On the programme, the highest-rated Sunday morning talk show in the US, the King said the people of the region are looking for a signal from the US, adding: "I know that President Obama is waiting until Prime Minister Netanyahu comes here and listens to what he has to say."
"But if, right after that visit, there’s not a clear understanding of how America is going to weigh in on these problems, then I think the goodwill of the United States will disappear," said the King.
King Abdullah said if the Palestinian issue, which he called the core of conflict in the region, is not resolved, the Middle East will continue to suffer instability, adding that all will pay the price for that.
In response to a question, King Abdullah said resolving the Palestinian issue is the key to settling the region’s other problems. "Any conflict that you pick in the Middle East today… all roads lead back to Jerusalem."
Building on this point, the King said that extremists use frustration among Arabs and Muslims over the unresolved Palestinian issue and the continued occupation of Jerusalem as a means to spread their agendas and recruit followers.
His Majesty said the issue of terrorism cannot be dealt with in isolation of finding a solution to the Palestinian issue, saying: "In Arab and Muslim minds, the most emotional aspect is the Palestinian cause."
Referring to Obama's desire for constructive dialogue with the Arab and Muslim worlds, the King said that Obama's message has been consistent in that he is showing that the US is interested in reaching out to Muslims and Arabs.
Highlighting the Amman Message which underlines the values of tolerance of Islam, King Abdullah said Obama’s signals of respect were largely welcomed in the Arab world, but stressed that lack of action on the Palestinian issue will quickly dry up the US’ goodwill in the region.
On the issue of torturing prisoners in the US after 9/11, the King said the issue is up to the Americans to deal with, but added that what he had seen in the American media led him to believe that the accusations of torture were valid.
The King added that Obama was working to make sure the American legal system remains transparent and that no illegal activities take place, pointing out that such activities harm the image of the US around the world.
In the interview, His Majesty said any military action against Iran by the US or Israel would be counterproductive and have a negative impact.
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