Jordanian king's visit to Japan

The Jordanian King Abdullah II on Monday said that the plan proposed by the US President George Bush concerning the Middle East is still in need of clarification in several points.

Officials at the Japanese foreign ministry said that the Jordanian King Abdullah and his Minister of Foreign Affairs Marwan Muasher informed the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi during separate meetings with them that they are waiting for further comments from the US on the plan proposed by President Bush.

The Japanese officials added that Muasher explained that the aim of the proposed international conference is very vague and that the time framework for the peace process which will last for three years is not set enough, stressing the need that the Palestinian reforms should be made by the Palestinians themselves.

The Japanese officials indicated that the Jordanian King Abdullah II expressed thanks over the support given by the Japanese government to the region as a whole and over playing a basic role in the ME.

The Japanese minister said it will be the best for the Palestinian to choose their representatives in the PA through elections. The Japanese minister also announced that the Japanese government will provide Jordan a donation of USD 16 million.