LONDON, Nov 7 (Reuters) Jordan's King Abdullah urged the world on Tuesday not to abandon Iraq to chaos and appealed for backing for an Arab peace initiative to revive talks to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
King Abdullah warned British parliamentarians Iraq could end up as another generations-long conflict in the West Asia unless world leaders explored every political, economic and diplomatic opening that could bring about reconciliation among the country's divided communities.
''It is vital for the friends of peace not to abandon Iraq to chaos... For the world to disengage when events are at a critical point would have serious unintended consequences.
''An urgent priority is reconciliation, so that leaders from the three major communities can meet face to face, find common ground and create home-grown, effective solutions. The historic suffering of Kurds and Shi'ites must be acknowledged; as must that of the Sunnis today,'' he said.
Iraq is ruled by a Shi'ite-led coalition after years of domination by the Sunni minority.
The king said there needed to be a new emphasis on non-military initiatives in Iraq.
''Insecure areas cannot be stabilised by force. Such stability comes only when all groups have confidence in a process that gives them a voice, assures them justice and provides for their security,'' the king said.
King Abdullah was speaking during a two-day official visit to Britain, which included talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Finance Minister Gordon Brown on developments in the West Asia and bilateral ties.
Blair has pledged to try to make progress on the West Asia peace process before he leaves office within the next year.
His foreign policy chief met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last week and Blair's spokesman has said the prime minister intends to make a visit to the West Asia before the year is out.
King Abdullah urged support for an Arab peace initiative, adopted by the Arab League in 2002, which foresees an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through land-for-peace deals with Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians.
''This is an opening that must not be ignored,'' he said. ''It is the basis for practical results: a clear end game and an effective process that can reach it. I ask the international community to join us in resolving this crisis once and for all.'' REUTERS AKJ RN2242
King Abdullah warned British parliamentarians Iraq could end up as another generations-long conflict in the West Asia unless world leaders explored every political, economic and diplomatic opening that could bring about reconciliation among the country's divided communities.
''It is vital for the friends of peace not to abandon Iraq to chaos... For the world to disengage when events are at a critical point would have serious unintended consequences.
''An urgent priority is reconciliation, so that leaders from the three major communities can meet face to face, find common ground and create home-grown, effective solutions. The historic suffering of Kurds and Shi'ites must be acknowledged; as must that of the Sunnis today,'' he said.
Iraq is ruled by a Shi'ite-led coalition after years of domination by the Sunni minority.
The king said there needed to be a new emphasis on non-military initiatives in Iraq.
''Insecure areas cannot be stabilised by force. Such stability comes only when all groups have confidence in a process that gives them a voice, assures them justice and provides for their security,'' the king said.
King Abdullah was speaking during a two-day official visit to Britain, which included talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Finance Minister Gordon Brown on developments in the West Asia and bilateral ties.
Blair has pledged to try to make progress on the West Asia peace process before he leaves office within the next year.
His foreign policy chief met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last week and Blair's spokesman has said the prime minister intends to make a visit to the West Asia before the year is out.
King Abdullah urged support for an Arab peace initiative, adopted by the Arab League in 2002, which foresees an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through land-for-peace deals with Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians.
''This is an opening that must not be ignored,'' he said. ''It is the basis for practical results: a clear end game and an effective process that can reach it. I ask the international community to join us in resolving this crisis once and for all.'' REUTERS AKJ RN2242
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