Obama discusses Mideast peace prospects with Jordan’s King Abdullah
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President Obama met with Jordanian King Abdullah II on Monday to discuss Mideast peace talks as well as what to do about Iran’s nuclear ambitions as the White House prepared for the formal opening of its nuclear summit Monday afternoon.
Obama and King Abdullah, amid tight security in Washington, agreed that Israel and the Palestinians should avoid actions that undermine chances of reviving stalled comprehensive peace talks between the parties, according to the White House. The United States has criticized Israel for building in East Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu skipped the summit, citing the press of other business. However, Netanyahu’s withdrawal came after reports that Muslim countries intended to question why Israel’s nuclear status. Israel never has acknowledged having nuclear weapons, though it is widely believed to have them.
The meeting between Obama and Abdullah was the first of the day as the White House prepared for the formal opening its nuclear summit Monday afternoon. Halting the proliferation of nuclear weapons was the theme of the two-day summit, following last week’s signing by Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev of a nuclear-arms reduction treaty.
In addition to the need for peace talks, President Obama and King Abdullah discussed the situation in Iran, which had said it was pursuing nuclear power exclusively for peaceful purposes.
According to the White House, Obama discussed sanctions against Iran for its nuclear ambitions, and both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Obama on Monday afternoon will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Iran and currency issues are on the agenda.
-- Michael Muskal
Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal
