Jordan calls for smaller Arab summit

"It has become necessary to hold an Arab summit," Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul-Sal al-Majali said. "The summit is to discuss the hindered Middle East peace process and Israeli obstinacy," he said.

He added that a small Arab summit including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan might open way for a broader Arab summit to build Arab solidarity and "lay the foundation for a unified Arab strategy towards peace."

Jordan's Prime Minister reiterated that Jordan maintains good relations with all Arab nations and there has been constant consultation and coordination at the highest level among them, he said.

Regarding Jordan's relations with Syria he said, "The ties are good. The king and Syrian president have constant direct consultations and communications between them. We inform both Syrian and Iraqi leadership of the developments in the region."

Concerning the situation in Iraq, Jordanian Prime Minister said that it was possible to suggest a direct dialogue between Iraq and the US, although the proposal was thoroughly refused by the Clinton administration.