Jordan King calls for supports for PNA security efforts

Jordan's King Abdullah II has called for enhancing the role of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and supporting its efforts in providing security for the Palestinian people, Jordanian Radio reported here Saturday.

King Abdullah made the call in an interview with the Israeli TV Channel 1, said the radio.

Abdullah was quoted as saying that Israel had a peace partner in the PNA government which is a real partner to achieve peace with Israel.

"I do think you do have a partner for peace, but again, I think all of us, whether it's Jordan, Israel or the international community, we have to strengthen the Palestinian (National) Authority because there are going to be extremists on either side that want to derail the process," he told the Israeli TV Channel.

The king stressed that restoring peace after the Israeli withdrawal is not easy or simple, adding what is needed is to support the PNA to enable it take a central role and to keep presenting services for people and to gain their confidence.

Meanwhile, Abdullah called on the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to take part in the Palestinian Legislative Council, saying that throughout history, there were many armed groups which turned to the political work.

On reports that he may visit Israel, the king said that "in any time I find myself able to help Palestinians and Israelis to achieve progress I certainly will be interested in visiting both sides."

There are important triple joint projects such as the Red Sea- Dead Sea Canal that the Jordanians, Palestinians and Israelis will benefit from, he noted.

Source: Xinhua