Jordanian King Urges Peace Talks During Portuguese Visit

King Abdullah II said there “no excuse” for a delay in Middle East peace talks while on a state visit to Portugal Monday.

The Jordanian King went on to say, ”We will all work together, (the) United States, European Union, Arab countries, so that nobody use(s) that as an excuse,” he said, following talks with Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva.

Abdullah voiced his concerns that the formation of a new Israeli government will be used as an excuse to put off the peace talks.

He said this after meeting with Morocco’s King Mohammed VI Sunday, where the two monarchs discussed ways to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The King had urged rival Palestinians groups to work together and cease anymore Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.

His remarks came as Israeli prime minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu took the first step toward forming a right-wing government by inking a coalition deal with the Yisrael Beitenu party of Avigdor Lieberman.

A controversial person slammed as a “racist” by critics, Lieberman is due to become the foreign minister in the new government.

In Brussels Monday, Egyptian Foreign Minster Ahmad Abul Gheit also expressed concern the peace process might flag under a right-wing government in Israel.