Abu al-Ragheb denies secret negotiations with Sharon

Jordanian prime minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb has denied news that Jordan had made secret negotiations with Sharon or a representative for him.

In an interview with the London- based al-Hayat daily issued on Monday, Abu al-Ragheb added that his country received several verbal messages from the candidate of the Likud party for the Israeli cabinet elections but did not make with him nor with a representative for him secret negotiations. He noted that the Israeli elections is a matter which is of concern to the Israeli internal affairs and the one who succeeds in this election will be responsible for the peace process and for the implementation of the UN security council.

He stressed the need of achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy which provides for the establishment of the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as a capital and the restoration of the Syrian Golan and the Lebanese territories under occupation to their owners.

The Jordanian prime minister added that the question of peace has become an urgent matter and " there is now an uprising on the Palestinian territories and an effective Arab solidarity in support of the Palestinians in their efforts to liberate their lands and establish their own independent state with Jerusalem as a capital.

He stressed the right of the Palestinians to return back home, noting in this regard to the UN resolution 194 provides for the said legitimate right.