Kerry: No alternative to peace in Mideast

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday that there is no alternative to reaching peace in the Middle East, despite obstacles facing that quest. Kerry made his remarks in a joint press conference with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, adding that peace which ensures normalization of ties by 57 Arab and Islamic countries with Israel would enable economic opportunities that cannot be imagined. The US top diplomat described his talks with the Palestinians and Israelis as fruitful, stressing on the US commitment to achieving peace. Kerry noted that he will return today to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and tomorrow with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kerry also expressed admiration to Jordan's role regarding the crisis in Syria, by saying the US was grateful to the Jordanian people and government for their generosity through aiding and supporting the Syrian refugees. Earlier, Jordan's King Abdullah II discussed with Kerry peace efforts between the Palestinians and Israelis, including developments of the Syrian crisis.