His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed the necessity of removing all obstacles that would prevent Palestinians of East Jerusalem from participating in the Palestinian legislative elections slated for Jan. 25.

During talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman, the King described the elections as an important step on the way to ensuring democracy and reforms in the Palestinian territories.

He urged all Palestinians to work collectively to end the deteriorating security situation in the Palestinian lands and to work on unifying their efforts.

King Abdullah said that Jordan stood ready to support the efforts of the Palestinian Authority to reinforce security, impose law and order, and build up Palestinian institutions necessary before the elections.

President Abbas, who met the King at the end of a tour of Gulf Arab states, said the Palestinian Authority would work on consolidating the security situation and imposing its control on the Palestinian territories.

In a statement to Jordan Television, quoted by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Abbas said his meeting with King Abdullah was part of the continuous consultations between the two sides.

He said he briefed His Majesty the King on obstacles placed by Israel before the Palestinian legislative polls, especially with regard to the participation of East Jerusalem Palestinians in the process. The Palestinian leader said: “The electoral process has started and everyone is involved."

News Agencies