Ammon News - By Banan Malkawi

AMMONNEWS - The Middle East region is facing extremely critical circumstances that led to political, economic, and social transformations that are accelerated, intertwined, and ambiguous, having an impact on security stability and plans for sustainable economic development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said.

In his remarks during the opening of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa held in the Dead Sea on Saturday, Abbas congratulated Jordan on its 67th Independence Day, and cited the efforts of King Abdullah II and Jordan in exerting efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region and their support for Palestine.

Abbas said that despite Israeli obstacles that obstruct Palestinians from fully utilizing their land and natural resources, Palestine however enjoys promising opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and industrial investments, among other sectors, in various Palestinian cities.

Abbas arrived in Jordan and is taking part in the World Economic Forum being held between May 24-26, and is scheduled to hold talks with Israeli President Shimon Peres and US Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday.

The Palestinian leader urged Arab and international investors to consider investments in Palestine, calling on attendees to "visit Palestine and see the conditions for yourself and to explore the possible investment opportunities."

On the political front, Abbas said that as Palestinians mark 46 years of occupation, and after 20 years of negotiations, Israel continues to maneuver, procrastinate, and ignore the prerogatives of peace.

"Nonetheless, we continue to say we want comprehensive peace, we want a two state solution, in accordance with international resolutions," Abbas stressed, adding that Palestinians have met their obligations in accordance with sign agreements, "we clarified our positions and intentions, and given what is required of us."

Abbas said that the US efforts represented by the recent visits by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry "give us hope," saying that the whole world waits for the efforts that are currently exerted which shall lead to a solution to end the Israeli occupation since 1967, and guarantee for the Palestinian people the right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"We reiterate that the status of observer state at UN for Palestine is not an alternative to negotiations, but it is a rights of the Palestinian people, and it is a Palestinian pursuit," Abbas added during his remarks.

On the issue of Palestinian reconciliation between various parties, Abbas said that there is determination to put an end to Palestinian division and to hold legislative elections as soon as possible.

He called on all Palestinian parties to respond to these efforts to form a transitional government formed from independent figures and carryout elections.

The World Economic Forum, held at the Dead Sea in Jordan, takes place between May 24-26, with the participation of around 23 countries, with the theme of "Advancing Conditions for Growth and Resilience."