King Hussein discusses diffusing Iraqi situation with Albright
Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 3/19/1998

Jordan's King Hussein, currently visiting the USA, held talks with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and other US officials in Washington yesterday.

Talks between the king and the Secretary of State focused on the Middle East peace process, the Iraqi governmental crisis with UN and bilateral relations between Jordan and the US.

King Hussein, during his meeting with Albright, asserted the need for a more active role for the US in the Middle East peace process to break the deadlock.

"Talks focused on the peace process and finding a permanent solution to the Iraqi crisis," a Jordanian source said.

Jordan's King Hussein reiterated his position on both issues.

"Jordan is pushing the USA to alter its initiative to include Israeli withdrawal from more Palestinian territories in the West Bank," a Jordanian official said.

Washington suggested that Israel should withdraw from 13% of the West Bank, a proposal considered by Israel as too high, while Arafat refused it as saying that it was too little.

The King has also asked for confidence-building measures between the Israelis and Palestinians including the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, an agreement on Gaza airport and safe passage between Gaza and the West Bank.

He also commented on the Iraqi issue, considered a very sticky issue to discuss in Washington because the US administration has been reluctant to show flexibility on the Iraqi crisis, and because Congress issued a resolution which branded Saddam Hussein as a war criminal. The US also rejected any proposal of direct contact with the Iraqis.

"Jordan does not have a clear and specific initiative to defuse the tension between the US and Iraq." the King said, "We have some ideas that could defuse the tension and find a permanent solution."

Previous Stories:
  King Hussein meets with heads of US-Jewish organizations   (3/18/1998)
  Jordan denounced comments by Israeli minister Sharon   (3/17/1998)
  Israel's Sharon in Amman for talks, Hassan heads to Israel   (3/9/1998)

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