Jordan welcomes UN decision on Palestine

Jordan on Friday welcomed the UN General Assembly decision to upgrade Palestinian observer status to "non-member state". Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications and Minister of Culture Samih Maaytah described the decision as "strategic and important" in the Arab-Israeli conflict. He stressed the need to capitalize on the decision to rally international support for legitimate Palestinian rights and cause to establish their independent Palestinian state on the national soil and to exercise all national and political rights on their lands. Maaytah, who is also Government Spokesperson, said the decision affirms that the "two-state solution is the basis to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the way to comprehensive peace in the Middle East". Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, has exerted its utmost to push forward the peace process and create suitable conditions for Palestinians and Israelis to engage in direct negotiations, the minister said. The Kingdom, he added, will press ahead with efforts with concerned parties to help the two sides return to the negotiating table for a real peace process in accordance to international resolutions, which ensure justice for the Palestinians and put an end to regional instability. The minister affirmed that the Israeli occupation and practices pose a serious threat to the security and stability in the Middle East and the future of its nations, adding that Israel's continued intransigence, procrastination and unilateral acts, especially settlement building, constitute a barrier to the success of all endeavors and efforts to resume the peace process.