His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday told US congressmen that the international community's failure to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land would lead to further failures in the region.

During a meeting with a delegation of visiting congressmen, chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), King Abdullah stressed the important role of the US Senate and House of Representatives in bringing about a positive change in the Middle East through supporting efforts to relaunch the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis and bring them back to the negotiating table.

The King described the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative as a historic opportunity for all concerned parties to put an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, adding that resolving this issue lies at the core of the Arab-Israeli dispute.

The King's comments come just days after he pledged Jordan's continued support for the Palestinian people on the occasion of the Independence Day.

In addition to Leahy, the visiting delegation also included Senator Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-Maryland) and House of the Representatives member Peter Welch (D-VT).

On Iraq, the King reiterated Jordan's support to enhance the security and stability in the war-ravaged country and break the cycle of violence.

His Majesty said Iraq's political process should be inclusive of all ethnicities and sects in order for it to be successful.

The delegates commended the King's efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Middle East.

The Jordan Times