His Majesty King Abdullah II affirmed his full rejection of expanding the cycle of war to include Arab countries, adding that this would have dangerous repercussions.

The King added that striking against Iraq or any other Arab country will threaten stability in the region.

In an interview with Al Hayat daily that was published today, His Majesty denied that Jordan has an option in the West Bank, describing such ideas as fully untrue. He reiterated Jordan's position which calls for the establishment of an independent state on the Palestinian national soil.

King Abdullah said that he affirmed to US President George Bush that there is no alternative to President Yasser Arafat and that Arafat should be supported. He also affirmed to Bush the importance of Arafat's presence in the upcoming Arab summit which will be held in Beirut next month, adding that his absence would have negative impact on the Palestinian people and the Arab "street" in general. " I have called on the US to play a greater role and practice pressure on Israeli to recognize the rights of the Palestinians foremost of which is the establishment of an independent state on their national soil with Jerusalem as its capital.