Israeli President Makes Surprise Visit To Jordan

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — The Royal Palace says Israeli President Shimon Peres has made a surprise visit to Jordan for talks about Mideast peacemaking.

Jordan is concerned about the stalemate in Israel-Palestinian peace talks, largely blaming Israeli policy for the freeze.

Large numbers of Palestinian refugees live in Jordan. A key issue in the Israel-Palestinian peace talks is the future of the refugees, giving the kingdom stake in the process.

A Royal Palace statement said King Abdullah II hosted Peres on Monday, shortly before the king left for a state visit to Germany.

Last week Abdullah made a rare visit to the West Bank for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has a ceremonial role in Israel. He maintains cordial ties with Jordan's ruling family.