King Abdullah II, President Bush / phone call

Amman
18 April 2002

His Majesty King Abdullah II Thursday stressed, during a phone call with American President George Bush, the necessity that USA take decisive positions to oblige Israel withdraw its forces instantly from all Palestinian territories, including President Yasser Arafat`s headquarters.

His Majesty urged USA to intensify efforts and contacts with the concerned parties to end the current crisis and to set practical solutions that would end the Israeli siege and occupation and pave the way to kickoff peaceful negotiations.

President Bush ppointed out that USA is determined to follow up the efforts it exerted to stop violence in the region. He pointed out that he will send Secretary of State Colin Powell again to the region to follow up contacts with the Palestinian and Israeli officials pertaining finding a solution to the current crisis.