Biden expresses 'strong' support for Jordan's king

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden voiced on Wednesday strong support for Jordan's King Abdullah during their first telephone call following a royal rift that saw the Kingdom's crown prince placed under house arrest.

Biden expressed "strong U.S. support for Jordan," and further underscored "the importance of King Abdullah II’s leadership to the United States and the region" during their conversation, the White House said in a statement.

"Together they discussed the strong bilateral ties between Jordan and the United States, Jordan’s important role in the region, and strengthening bilateral cooperation on multiple political, economic, and security issues," it said. "The President also affirmed that the United States supports a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

Abdullah announced earlier Wednesday that the "rift" with his half-brother Prince Hamzah has ended and he is now in the palace with his family.

"I am talking to you today ... to assure you that strife has ceased, and that our Jordan is safe and stable," the king told Jordanians in a letter released by the Royal Court, praising security forces for protecting the country.

On Sunday, authorities announced "preliminary investigations" that indicated Prince Hamzah was involved with "foreign parties" in "attempts to destabilize the security of the country," and "mobilizing citizens against the state."

Hamzah denied the allegations in a video later during the day.