Egypt’s al-Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah talk Palestine

By Mohamed al-Rayyes

CAIRO (AA) - Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Monday had a phone conversation with Jordanian King Abdullah II to discuss recent developments pertaining to Palestine.

According to a statement released by al-Sisi’s office, the two men also discussed “means of enhancing bilateral ties and coordinating on issues of common interest”.

The phone conversation comes amid mounting tension in the region following the relocation last month of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem -- a move that drew widespread condemnation from across the Arab and Muslim world.

Last Thursday, Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian representatives met to discuss ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliation between leading Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.

In a related development Monday, Jordanian Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki tendered his resignation following a wave of street demonstrations over a controversial income tax bill.

King Abdullah accepted al-Mulki’s resignation, appointing Education Minister Omar al-Razzaz to head up a new government.

Jordan has been rocked by protests since late last month, when the government approved an amended version of a tax bill that would, if passed, subject all annual incomes of 8,000 Jordanian dinars (roughly $11,200) or more to additional taxes.

Amman also recently raised subsidized electricity prices -- for the fifth time this year -- leading to further popular discontent.

It also raised subsidized fuel prices by 5.5 percent before reversing the move at King Abdullah’s request.