Jordanian PM: Economic plan no substitute for Palestinian independence

Jordan’s prime minister says an economic deal cannot be a substitute for a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, echoing concerns by critics of the US peace summit in Bahrain last month.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz says that the “road to peace is clear” and must be based upon the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He says that “there is no compromise or project or deal that will divert us from these priorities.”

Razzaz makes the remarks during a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart, Mohammad Shtayyeh.

In Bahrain, the US promoted its plan calling for $50 billion of investment in Palestinian areas and neighboring Arab countries. The Palestinians boycotted the Bahrain conference, accusing the US of trying to buy off their national aspirations.

— with AP