Putin takes Mideast peace offensive to Jordan

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2007

AMMAN (AFP) — Jordan's King Abdullah II and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to pool their efforts to help revive long-stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

"President Putin and I agreed that negotiations towards the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state should be accelerated," the king said Tuesday after more than two hours of talks with Putin.

"We are witnessing a unique opportunity to restart the effort to achieve a comprehensive Middle East peace," he said.

Russia has "an important role to play" as member of the diplomatic Middle East Quartet, which also comprises the United States, the United Nations and the European Union, the king added.

Before leaving, Putin will hold talks at the...