The Palestine Liberation OrganizationChairman Mahmoud Abbas said here Monday the Palestinians were ready to assume their responsibilities after the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip but stressed final status talks must be part of the roadmap peace plan.

"We will assume responsibility for every parcel of land the Israelis will evacuate ... but the withdrawal must be part of the roadmap," Abbas said at a joint news conference with Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulqi.

The Jordanian foreign minister reiterated his country's support to the Palestinians and said Jordan places all its capabilities at the service of the Palestinian people.

He also briefed Abbas on King Abdullah II's recent tour to the United States, Japan, Singapore, Qatar, and Libya, saying the king stressed the necessity of a quick return to the negotiating table with a view to establish an independent Palestinian state as soon as possible.

On the British initiative to hold an international conference onpeace, Mulqi said Jordan supports any meeting that serves the Palestinian issue.

Abbas expressed appreciation for Jordan's efforts regarding the Palestinian issue, adding coordination with Jordan and Egypt will continue, particularly after holding the Palestinian elections scheduled on Jan. 9, 2005.

Abbas arrived here Sunday evening after concluding his gulf tourto Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Source: Xinhua