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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visits Jordan | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has travelled to neighbouring Jordan for talks with its ruler, King Abdullah, in the Red Sea resort Aqaba. | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has travelled to neighbouring Jordan for talks with its ruler, King Abdullah, in the Red Sea resort Aqaba. |
The previously unannounced trip is the Israeli leader's second this week. He went to Egypt on Monday, his first time on foreign soil since taking office. | The previously unannounced trip is the Israeli leader's second this week. He went to Egypt on Monday, his first time on foreign soil since taking office. |
Mr Netanyahu is due in Washington for what are being seen as crucial talks with President Barack Obama on 18 May. | Mr Netanyahu is due in Washington for what are being seen as crucial talks with President Barack Obama on 18 May. |
So far the new Israeli leader has avoided endorsing a Palestinian state. | So far the new Israeli leader has avoided endorsing a Palestinian state. |
A two-state solution based on independent Palestinian statehood is a goal strongly backed by the US and by Jordan and Egypt, Israel's only allies among Arab states. | A two-state solution based on independent Palestinian statehood is a goal strongly backed by the US and by Jordan and Egypt, Israel's only allies among Arab states. |
Later in the day, Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet Pope Benedict XVI, who is currently visiting Biblical locations in northern Israel. | |
The BBC's Paul Wood in Jerusalem says the frantic activity is because Israel now fears being diplomatically isolated. | |
On Monday, King Abdullah warned that failure to reach an agreement for peace in the Middle East would result in a new conflagration within 12-18 months. | On Monday, King Abdullah warned that failure to reach an agreement for peace in the Middle East would result in a new conflagration within 12-18 months. |
In comments to a UK newspaper, he said the US was finalising a comprehensive solution to Israel's conflicts with the Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese that would involve all 57 Arab and Muslim states. | In comments to a UK newspaper, he said the US was finalising a comprehensive solution to Israel's conflicts with the Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese that would involve all 57 Arab and Muslim states. |
Our correspondent says everything appears to be leading towards a visit by President Obama to Cairo next month, during which he is expected to announce his support for the Jordanian plan in some form. |