Visiting French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie (L) attends a joint press conference with her Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh in Amman, Jordan, Jan. 22, 2011. Jordan and France on Saturday called for the immediate halt of the "illegal and illegitimate" Israeli settlement activities, which obstruct the resumption of the direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. [Xinhua/Mohammad Abu Ghosh]

Jordan and France on Saturday called for the immediate halt of the "illegal and illegitimate" Israeli settlement activities, which obstruct the resumption of the direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.

In a press conference Saturday held jointly by Jordan's Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and his French counterpart Michele Alliot-Marie, the two sides underlined the need for intensified international efforts to re-launch serious and effective talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Stressing the urgency of re-launching peace talks that lead to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, Judeh said France plays a pivotal role in attaining Middle East peace.

The French official, who highlighted Jordan's important role in realizing peace in the Middle East and combating terror, stressed France's commitment to pushing peacemaking efforts forward.

She emphasized that France is committed to supporting efforts to resolve the conflict in the region and achieve peace and stability, pointing out that resolving the decades-long conflict is a regional and international interest.

In discussions prior to the press conference, the two sides looked into the Iranian nuclear file.

In this regard, Judeh said the issue should be resolved through diplomatic channels, stressing that it is the right of any country to obtain nuclear energy for peaceful purpose.