Srour, US Congressional aids discuss regional issues

Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament Saad Hayel Srour on Wednesday met with a visiting delegation of US Congressional aides and discussed bilateral ties between the two countries, as well as regional developments, the Palestinian peace process and the Jordanian economic situation. Srour said that the Kingdom's reform process began since the accession of His Majesty King Abdullah II to the throne, noting that its comprehensive program included political, economic and social aspects. On the Syrian crisis, Srour said that Jordan has taken in about 1 million refugees since the start of the crisis, putting tremendous pressure on the country's limited resources, and urged the international community to support the aid efforts and find a political solution to stop the bloodshed in Syria. He also said Jordanian efforts to bring about peace in the region will lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The US delegates expressed their appreciation for the vital Jordanian role in the Middle East, working to enhance regional security and stability.