His Majesty King Abdullah was briefed on Sunday by US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell on his efforts to ensure the continuation of direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations after the Israeli government announced the end of a settlement freeze.

Mitchell also briefed King Abdullah on the outcome of his talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials during his tour of the region.

King Abdullah underscored the United States' central role in peace efforts, and in creating an environment that ensures the continuation of negotiations to achieve progress towards a two-state solution to the conflict that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living in peace beside Israel.