AMMAN - One of the United States' key Arab allies, Jordan's King Abdullah, warned Vice-President Dick Cheney yesterday against attacking Iraq and urged him to focus instead on helping to end Israeli-Palestinian violence.
Cheney visited Jordan as the first stop of an 11-nation Middle East swing aimed at building support for the US-led war on terrorism and eliminating Iraq's ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
But his hosts made clear their main concern was the deadly Israeli-Palestinian violence across their border.
"His Majesty [Abdullah] expressed Jordan's concern over the results of any possible strike against Iraq and its dangerous effects on the security and stability of the region," Jordan's news agency Petra said.
The two leaders met and dined together for two hours, on a day Israeli forces killed 31 Palestinians.
"The Middle East has suffered for too long," Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb said after receiving Cheney at Amman airport.
"Active involvement of the United States in ending the bloodshed and bringing about the desired outcome is necessary for those who desire peace and prosperity."
Abdullah delivered a similar message to Cheney.
The King also "expressed his hope that all outstanding problems with Iraq would be resolved through dialogue and by peaceful means".
The United States would remain involved in Middle East peace efforts, Cheney said on his arrival.
A forthcoming mission by US special Middle East envoy Anthony Zinni, announced last week, came after criticism from Arab leaders that Washington was too passive.
"The United States will do all it can to help end the tragic violence between the Palestinians and the Israelis and return the parties to a productive negotiating process," Cheney said. A senior US official said Cheney and Zinni would meet to compare notes in Israel later in the Vice-President's trip.
A spokeswoman for Cheney, Jennifer Millerwise, described his meeting with Abdullah as constructive. The two agreed that there was "growing support" among Arab leaders for a new Saudi land-for-peace proposal.
Cheney reaffirmed US determination to prevent Iraq acquiring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, and Washington's demand for unconditional international arms inspections, Millerwise said.
Despite his generally strong relations with the United States, Abdullah faces domestic pressure from a public alarmed at the Israeli crackdown against Palestinians and wary of a US assault on neighbouring Iraq.
- REUTERS
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