Jordan, Palestine affirm two-state formula remains only strategic option

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday reiterated that there is no alternative to the two-state solution to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and achieve peace in the region.

During a meeting with Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat at the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters, the two officials said that the lack of progress towards a peaceful solution to end the Israeli occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state would create an environment of desperation that can be used by terrorists to advance their agendas, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Safadi and Erekat, who is also the PLO’s secretary general, renewed the call for resuming serious and effective Israeli-Palestinian negotiations with a set timeframe in order to ensure Palestinians their right to an independent state within the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

They also warned of any unilateral measures that threaten the status quo in East Jerusalem and compromise the city’s Arab identity. 

Erekat commended Jordanian efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, to protect sanctuaries in Jerusalem under the Hashemite custodianship of these shrines, and the Kingdom’s historical role as an advocate of the Palestinian cause. 

Achieving peace based on a two-state solution is a strategic option under the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted by the Arab leaders in 2002 as a comprehensive solution that leads to a lasting peace, Safadi and Erekat agreed. 

They also stressed the significance of continuous coordination of stands between Jordan and the Palestinian National Authority.