Blair and King Hussein exchange views
Jordan-UK, Politics, 4/20/1998

Jordan's King Hussein yesterday in Amman held talks with British PM Tony Blair. They discussed the efforts to be made to reactivate the peace process and push it forward.

Means of promoting bilateral relations between Jordan and the U.K. in various fields were also studied. Blair briefed King Hussein of the outcome of his visits to both Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

"The area is passing through a critical time, "King Hussein warned during a press conference after his talks with Blair, "But I believe that it can be saved." King Hussein expressed hope that Blair's visit would push the Middle East peace process a step forward.

Blair told the reporters that he would do what he could to push the peace process forward. In Jordan, Tony Blair held talks with Jordan's King Hussein and top Jordanian officials concerning the deadlock of the peace process.

Informed sources told reporters that Mr. Blair has brought new and practical proposals regarding reactivating the peace process and narrowing the gap between the sides of the process. "Blair has ideas that will ease the economic pressure points," the source said.

"We hope that the current visit of the prime minister to the area, at a very, very critical time, will help us move ahead," King Hussein said. "This is the time one, I believe that the peace process can be saved," he stated, "otherwise we could all be plunged into a very dark and a very dangerous period."

"We are going to do whatever we can to try make progress in the Middle East peace process," British Prime Minister Blair told reporters at the joint press conference. "We know how important that is, not just for the people of the region but for the stability of the world," he said.

"These situations, difficult though they are, over the many, many years, can only be resolved through the good will to resolve them," Blair said. He referred to the crisis in both Palestine and Northern Ireland, "I come in good faith and all I wish to do is to make what contribution I can both in respect of Britain and the EU to the process of peace; because in the end the best security for Israel and, indeed, for everybody in this region, is a peace process that works."

He said, "I would say it is ultimately the best security for the world, so any contribution I can make, I will."

"But, of course, it requires start to be good will and the willingness of all sides to reach an agreement," he added.

Later, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan accompanied Blair on a to visit to the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak and Blair warns of danger   (4/18/1998)
  Blair wants his mark on Arab-Israeli relations   (4/18/1998)

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