His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that the Middle East will not enjoy peace and stability unless a solution to the Palestinian problem is found — the core regional conflict as far as Arabs and Muslims are concerned.

King Abdullah told Oscar Garschagen of the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad that there will be no peace unless Israel takes steps to show it is truly willing to make peace. He said Israel has to choose between "fort Israel" and integration in the region.

The interview was made ahead of a three-day official visit to the Netherlands by King Abdullah and Queen Rania.

On the deteriorating security situation in Iraq, the King warned that the destruction that would be caused by a civil war would be boundless.

Efforts in Iraq should be directed to reconstruction, the King said. He noted the funds allocated for the rebuilding process were being spent on enhancing the security situation.

On domestic issues, King Abdullah reiterated that Jordan was proceeding with its economic development and efforts to alleviate unemployment.

The security and stability Jordan enjoys, the King said, were the result of political and socio-economic reform.

He added that Jordanians feel proud that they have such a stable country.

In another interview with the Dutch NOS Journaal TV, the King said true democracy should come from within and meet people's needs and requirements regardless of any external conditions.

The Jordan Times