Jordanian king's plea for Arab unity

Jordan's king calls for end to Palestinian suffering

King Abdullah of Jordan urged Arab leaders in Amman on Tuesday to put their differences behind them and work for unity. In a speech broadcast live on Jordanian TV, he noted how conflicts had split the Arab world in the past few decades, which had made Arabs bitter and lacking in confidence.

The following are excerpts of his address:

"This summit lays the ground for a new approach to joint Arab action. This approach is based on a continuous process of co-ordination and consultation, regardless of passing differences and the prevailing circumstances in this region."

Our Arab nation has for the past decades suffered from conflicts. Arab citizens have become bitter and frustrated

"Our Arab nation has for the past decades, and particularly for the last 10 years, suffered from differences and conflicts. It has suffered from the absence of Arab solidarity ... Accordingly, others, both near and far, have dealt with us with disregard. This situation allowed the weak and the strong alike to deal with us from a position of strength. Arab citizens have thus become bitter and frustrated, with no confidence in themselves or in their future."

"It is time we turned that page and overcame our differences. It is time we opened a new page in joint Arab action with open hearts and clear consciences that embody what link us in terms of brotherhood, sacred ties, and common interests.

"The challenges, which our nation is facing, are enormous. We have to rise to those challenges and meet the expectations and aspirations of our people."

The Palestinian people have been suffering tremendously for over half a century. We have to stand by them

Palestinians

"The Palestinian people have been suffering tremendously for over half a century. They have struggled in defence of their rights and for their occupied land with all possible means.

"The blood of their martyrs has been spilt on every part of their dear land. Today, they are moving closer to realising their dream of liberating their land and regaining their legitimate rights.

"We have to stand by them. We have to provide them with every possible support and assistance that will enable them to regain their full rights and establish their independent state on their national soil, with Jerusalem as its capital."

As for fraternal Iraq, its inconceivable suffering has gone on for far too long. It is time to put an end to this suffering and to lift the embargo on this Arab country

"We also have to stand by our brethren in Syria in their quest to liberate all their occupied territories up to the borders that existed before 4 June 1967. We have to stand by our brothers in Lebanon to complete the liberation of their occupied lands, so that we can achieve the just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, which the peoples of the region seek."

Iraqi suffering

"As for fraternal Iraq, its inconceivable suffering has gone on for far too long. It is time to put an end to this suffering and to lift the embargo on this Arab country, which has always been at the forefront of the Arab nation in defending its causes and rights. It has never failed to respond to the calls of duty, sacrifice, and brotherhood."

Let this summit be the beginning of a new era in joint Arab action

"Let this summit be the beginning of a new era in joint Arab action. Let it be a real launching ground towards solidarity and integration in all political and economic fields, as well as in national security."

BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.