We need an undivided Middle East: King Abdullah

Dead Sea, Jordan: The Arab world has committed to peace, and now Israel must do the same, said King Abdullah of Jordan, addressing the opening session of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East.

"The Arab Peace Initiative has offered Israel a place in the neighbourhood and more: acceptance by 57 nations, the one-third of the UN members that do not recognise Israel," said King Abdullah

"But the time to act is not indefinite. Every day has brought more danger. There must be no more missed opportunities, no more process without progress. What is needed is real action and real results."

King Abdullah said that he spoke of this urgency to US President Barack Obama when he met him a few weeks ago.

"I was encouraged by the President's commitment to the two-state solution, within a regional approach to a comprehensive peace. I was encouraged that people in Washington know that inaction is not an option.".

King Abdullah also reminded the World Economic Forum on the Middle East, held at the Dead Sea in Jordan, that May 15 is the day that people around the world commemorate the Nakba, the Catastrophe, that began for the Palestinian people 61 years ago. He spoke of the "fourth generation of Palestinians born into conflict and an uncertain future."

He urged the delegates to look ahead to the different future. Taking account of the suffering of the Palestinians, he also made clear that all Arabs are committed to finding a solution.

"Together, through our own initiatives, I believe our region can lead the world away from destruction and towards the future we need, an undivided Middle East."