Jordan- Bakhit, Abbas highlight Palestinians' right of return 

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Sunday stressed the importance of the right of return for all Palestinian refugees, which is a top priority for Jordan.

During a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman yesterday, Bakhit said Jordan is concerned about recognition of the right of return before discussions on the mechanisms to implement it.

During His Majesty King Abdullah's meeting with US President Barack Obama recently in Washington, the King underlined the firm Arab stance regarding Palestinians' legitimate rights and that reaching a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict should be at the top of the global political agenda, Bakhit said.

Abbas voiced appreciation for the King's supportive stances towards the Palestinian people in international forums, stressing that King Abdullah's positions are in line with the Palestinian national principled stands.

Abbas underlined the importance of Israel's recognition of the Palestinian refugees' right of return and compensation, adding that it should also recognise Jerusalem as part of the occupied Arab territories.

He stressed that Hamas is part of the Palestinian community, noting that the Palestinian government will be responsible for the negotiations file.

During the meeting, Abbas outlined the Palestinian position towards the main pillars of future negotiations with Israel, noting that they do not seek to isolate Israel by calling for UN recognition of a Palestinian state, but to recognise Palestine as a country under occupation.

Talks also covered means to enhance bilateral relations and various issues of common interests.