Hollande, king Abdallah II discuss Middle East issues

French President Francois Hollande and King Abdallah II of Jordan held a telephone conversation Wednesday to discuss various situations in the Middle East, particularly the latest crisis in Gaza, in addition to Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, Hollande's office said in a statement.
Hollande praised "the positive role" played by the Jordanian King in trying to secure peaceful outcome in Gaza and also the Jordanian efforts in the Syrian conflict. He also expressed full support for the Egyptian mediation efforts that are currently underway with all parties in Cairo.
The French leader stressed that "this diplomatic initiative seemed essential for obtaining an extension of the cease-fire which is currently observed (and) to putting an end to the tragedy of massacres of civilians since several weeks in Gaza." But Hollande also underlined that an agreement must also end attacks against Israeli territory.
He reiterated his belief that a lasting settlement would come about through a definitive agreement that sets up two States living side-by-side in peace and security.
France also told Jordan that it would work with it in the UN Security Council to get a resolution that backs the Egyptian cease-fire and its extension, but which would also seek to restart peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
On Lebanon, both leaders agreed to coordinate their actions and support the Lebanese authorities in making their territory secure in the face of growing clashes with militants linked with the Syrian conflict.
Hollande also told King Abdallah about his "deep concern" faced with the establishment of the terrorist group Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.
He expressed special concern for the persecution of religious minorities by this radical group.
"We need to give the threatened populations of Iraq, notably Christians, all necessary support for their protection," the French President affirmed.
He also committed to continuing to support Jordan in handling the huge influx of Syrian refugees to that country over the past three years.