King Abdullah

Jordan's King Abdullah is set to begin a two-day visit to the United States Thursday for talks expected to focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the U.S.-led war on terrorism.

The king is scheduled to meet Secretary of State Colin Powell Thursday and to have breakfast with President Bush Friday at the White House.

The Jordanian leader is expected to urge the United States not to marginalize Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. King Abdullah and other Arab leader say continued contacts with Mr. Arafat are necessary to help end violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

President Bush said last week he was "disappointed" by what he called Mr. Arafat's failure to act to stop the violence. Israel has cut off all contacts with the Palestinian leaders following recent Palestinian suicide bombings within the Jewish state.

King Abdullah and U.S. leaders are also expected to discuss the situation in Iraq, a state Washington describes as a leading sponsor of terrorism.

On Wednesday, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana also said Yasser Arafat remains a viable partner for negotiating Middle East peace following talks in Washington with Secretary Powell.

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