Jordan's King Abdullah speaks at a session of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2013 on January 25, 2013 at the Swiss resort of Davos. — Photo AFP
Jordan's King Abdullah speaks at a session of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2013 on January 25, 2013 at the Swiss resort of Davos. — Photo AFP

DAVOS: The door is closing on the chances of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and will be firmly shut by the end of US President Barack Obama's second term, Jordan's King Abdullah II warned Friday.

“If we're not too late, the two-state solution will only survive as long as President Obama's term. If we don't fix it in the next four years, I don't believe it will ever happen,” Abdullah told political and business leaders gathered at the Swiss ski resort of Davos.

“Jordan with some Arab countries, and with three leaders in Europe -- the British, the French and Germans -- are all marching towards Washington in February and March to say 'Mr. President it's time to really engage in the Israeli-Palestinian process',” the king said.

He predicted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is preparing to form a coalition government after this week's election, will come under pressure to make progress in the peace process.

“Whatever he does to form his coalition, he's got to keep in mind that the international community ...  is going to be knocking on his door and that of the Palestinians to move the process forward,” the king said.

Direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for over two years, bogging down over Palestinian anger at continued Israeli settlement building.

At his confirmation hearing as the next US secretary of state on Thursday, US Senator John Kerry said he believed there was “a way forward” in the peace process and that time was running out for a two-state solution.

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....