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GV White House
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SV INT King Hussein and President Ford seated
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SCU Secretary of State Kissinger seated
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CU President Ford
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CU King Hussein
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SV PAN FROM Kissinger TO Ford and Hussein
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Initials BB/2005 FC/MR/BB/2015


TELERECORDING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: President Gerald Ford told Jordan's King Hussein in Washington on Tuesday (29 April) that he remained committed to working for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

During an hour-long meeting, he assured King Hussein that the United States intended to continue offering economic assistance and to maintain close ties of friendship with Jordan.

Later, speaking at a banquet in King Hussein's honour, President Ford said he would not tolerate stagnation or stalemate in Middle East diplomacy. He added that he had not decided on the next U.S. peace move and that the precise answer -- for such a solution -- was still being analysed.

King Hussein, who is on a five-day official visit, was due to undergo an annual medical check on Thursday (1 May) at a Washington hospital. He arrived on Monday (28 April).