Egypt, Jordan leaders say two-state solution not up for compromise

The leaders of the two Arab states that hold relations with Israel discuss the conflict, particularly in light of Trump's ascent to power.

By REUTERS
Updated: FEBRUARY 21, 2017 17:45
Jordan's King Abdullah (R) meets with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Royal Palace in Amman December 11, 2014. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Jordan's King Abdullah (R) meets with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Royal Palace in Amman December 11, 2014.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
CAIRO - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah said in a Cairo meeting on Tuesday that they were committed to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Sisi's office said in a statement.
"The two sides discussed future movements to break the gridlock within the Middle East peace process, especially with US President Donald Trump's administration taking power," the statement said.
"They also discussed mutual coordination to reach a two-state solution and establish a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as a capital which is a national constant that cannot be given up."
Trump on the two state solution for Israel and Palestinians during meet with Trump , Feb. 15, 2017 (credit: REUTERS)
Last week, Trump said that he was open to ideas beyond a two-state solution, the longstanding bedrock of Washington and the international community's policy for a settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.
"I'm looking at two states and one state, and I like the one both parties like," Trump told a joint news conference in Washington with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I can live with either one."
Trump said that the United States would work toward peace but said he was leaving it up to the parties themselves ultimately to decide on the terms of any agreement. He said such a deal would require compromises from both Israelis and Palestinians.
Trump's announcement appeared to loosen the main tenet of US Middle Eastern policy dating back three administrations and stunned the international community, which has crafted it diplomacy based on the premise of a Palestinian state co-existing alongside Israel.