RI and Jordan urge Israel to talk peace

RI and Jordan urge Israel to talk peace

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's President Soeharto and Jordan's King
Hussein, in bilateral talks in Amman yesterday, expressed their
concern at the stalled Middle East talks resulting from Israel's
uncompromising stand.

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs told journalists
yesterday that the two leaders in their talks at Arraghan Palace
felt the need to urge Israel to continue peace talks, and follow
up on previous agreements such as Israel's earlier promise to
withdraw its troops from Hebron.

President Soeharto arrived in Jordan on Monday for a four-day
state visit. Apart from Alatas he is accompanied by
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono. Also along for the trip are
Soeharto's two daughters Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana and Siti Hediati
Harijadi Prabowo.

As reported by Antara from Amman, the two leaders also
discussed the activities of the Organization of Islamic
Conference of which they are both members.

The two leaders both saw the importance of the organization
delving into non-political issues. They noted that cooperation in
the economic field would bring about the betterment and
prosperity of the people.

"OIC members must also work together to forging unity to erase
the negative image of Islam portrayed in the West," Alatas said
recounting the leaders' discussions.

He said Western states still often identify Islamic countries
with terrorism and violence.

Alatas said that King Hussein also conveyed his country's
desire to attend the Asia-Europe meeting of heads of state, at
least as an observer.

After yesterday's talks Soeharto and King Hussein witnessed
the signing of three economic cooperation agreements: on
investment enhancement, avoidance of double taxation and
shipping. It was signed by Alatas and Jordanian Minister of
Industry and Trade Abdullah Enfour.

Soeharto is scheduled to continue on to the second leg of his
trip tomorrow to Rome where he will address the World Food
Summit. (mds)