Jordan's King Abdullah stands by Palestinian right of return

Amman - Jordanian King Abdullah II said Tuesday his country would continue to support the right of Palestinian refugees to return to homes that they fled upon Israel's foundation in 1948. "Our adherence to the refugees' right of return and compensations is a firm attitude that cannot be changed, and no power will be able to forced on Jordan any attitude that runs counter to our interests," the monarch said in a meeting with army commanders.

Abdullah said that he was responding to "rumours circulated by those who have suspicious agendas and who sought to undermine Jordan's stability."

He alluded to recent reports in the Arab press alleging that Jordan and other moderate Arab countries were under pressure from US President Barack Obama to accept peace for the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including resettlement of Palestinian refugees where they live in Arab countries.

"I have followed up what has been said about the refugees issue, which is regrettable. Our attitude towards the refugees issue will not change, and our adherence to their right of return and reparations is firm and unquestionable," King Abdullah said.

Resolution 194, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 1948, six months after Israel's foundation, called for the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes and payment of compensation for those who choose not to return.

Jordan hosts 1.8 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).