King Abdullah: No dealing with confederation before Palestinian state's declaration

Jordan's King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein stated that dealing with a formula for a Jordanian - Palestinian confederation will not take place until after the declaration of a Palestinian state.

While receiving the chief journalists and members of the Jordanian journalists' union yesterday in Amman, King Abdullah said, "The Palestinian state is considered a basic pivot for peace in the Middle East."

For his part, Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh said before a hearing of the Jordanian Council of Deputies yesterday that Amman adheres to obtaining its full share of water according to the peace agreement ratified with Israel.

Replying to Israeli statements that Jordan's share of water will be reduced this year due to low rainfall amounts, al-Rawabda said, "Jordan does not accept negotiations regarding this right."

The deputies council released a statement in which it condemned Israel's attempts to reduce Jordan's share of water.