(MENAFN- Jordan Times) His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday appealed to the international community to join efforts to find a quick and fair solution to the worsening Syrian crisis.
The King called on the world to put an end to the bloodshed, while preserving the country and the people's unity, a Royal Court statement said.
During a meeting with a number of economic and intellectual leaders at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, one of the most important decision-making centres in the US and the world, the King discussed the burdens Jordan is incurring due to hosting over 200,000 Syrian refugees.
The Monarch warned of the worsening human situation in Syria, pointing out the necessity for the international community to help Jordan host the increasing number of refugees.
He reaffirmed the importance of intensifying international efforts to reach a solution to the Syrian crisis, avoiding further suffering and tragedy.
The King discussed during the meeting the efforts Jordan is exerting to provide the best services for Syrian refugees, within the capacity and capabilities available in the Kingdom, and in light of the Arab and international aid the country is receiving.
On the Palestinian-Israeli front, His Majesty reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause is the central issue for Jordan and that reaching a two-state solution is the only way to stability and security, before it is "too late".
Reaching a solution for the Palestinian cause will prevent all parties from using the conflict as an excuse to drag it into the unknown, he added.
His Majesty voiced the importance for the international community to push for restarting negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, allowing the Palestinian people to obtain their right to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace with Israel.
On the other hand, the King said that the Arab Spring gave Jordan an opportunity to engage in comprehensive reforms that meet the needs of Jordanians for a better future.
In this regard, His Majesty stated that the Arab Spring expresses the needs of the Arab people for freedom, democracy and a better future.
He added that Jordan aspires to become a role model for comprehensive reforms in the region.
Regarding reforms, the King highlighted the progress already achieved in the Kingdom such as constitutional amendments, the Elections Law, the establishment of the Independent Elections Commission and preparations for a new Parliament in early 2013, in addition to the Constitutional Court, which will be established soon.
On the reform process, the King said the reform sought by Jordan is based on balancing freedoms and responsibilities to achieve a reform aligned with the demands and hopes of all parties, emphasising that there is no other option but to achieve comprehensive reform in various domains.
He laid emphasis on the fact that the reform process is comprehensive, accommodating everyone without serving anyone's personal agenda.
Responding to questions by council members, the King called on the international community to assume its responsibility towards what is happening in Syria and end the people's suffering.
The Monarch voiced his belief that a solution to Palestinian cause is the way to overcome the challenges facing the people in the Middle East.
Regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, the King insisted on dialogue to resolve disagreements, reaffirming Jordan's stance that calls for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.
He pointed to the Amman Message and Jordan's efforts to engage in interfaith dialogue, stressing his condemnation of acts involving disrespect of religions.
Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, King's Office Director Imad Fakhoury, Jordan's Ambassador in Washington Alia Bouran and Jordan's Permanent Representative to the UN HRH Prince Zeid Bin Raad attended the meeting.
The Council on Foreign Relations was established in 1921 by seasoned American politicians to provide and analyse information on the world's events and the US foreign policy on them.
Headquartered in New York, the council convenes in Washington and other US cities, and hosts 4,700 governmental officials, businesspersons, journalists and academicians, in addition to community and religious leaders.
Also in New York on Monday, King Abdullah met with Spain's King Juan Carlos on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the Royal Court said.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region, especially the situation in Syria and the means to achieve peace.
The King also received Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and discussed means to develop bilateral cooperation, the statement said.
His Majesty also met with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahayan and Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
During the meetings, discussions covered means to boost cooperation between Jordan and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The King also called for increasing Arab solidarity and cooperation.
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