DATE=05/07/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESSJORDAN (S)

NUMBER=2-289586

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Jordan's King Abdullah Wednesday met with U-S lawmakers ahead of his meeting with President Bush at the White House. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.

TEXT: Despite the cycle of violence in the region, King Abdullah expressed hope that progress can be made toward reaching a cease-fire and resuming peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

After meeting with members of the Foreign Relations Committee, King Abdullah told reporters he believes Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat is still relevant to the peace process:

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Simply from the fact that he is the symbol and the representation of the Palestinian people, he is relevant.

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But when asked whether Mr. Arafat should be part of peace negotiations, King Abdullah said that was for the Palestinian people to decide.

The Jordanian monarch also had a separate meeting with Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois. (Signed)

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