World Economic Forum's Global Reconciliation Summit in Jordan to consolidate Middle East dialogue

"When we embarked on this summit some two months ago, we invited leaders from politics, business, and civil society to create a platform for peace and development in the Middle East. We never imagined when we were planning our Summit that it would become so central to the current peace process," said Professor Schwab.

"Following the meetings with the Arab leaders and President Bush in Sharm el-Sheikh, and with the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers, Ariel Sharon and Abu Mazen, in the Jordanian port of Aqaba, the World Economic Forum is aiming to add momentum to the peace process", he said.

Professor Schwab confirmed that the sponsors of the road map for peace - 'the Quartet' - will now meet at the Summit to look at the next phase.

Under the theme 'Visions for a Shared Future', the Forum's Summit is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II. Speaking at the press conference, Jordan's Minister of Planning Bassem Awadallah talked of his country's pivotal role in the Middle East.

"The region is passing through a crucial phase of change. We want to harness Jordan's moderating role, its friendly ties with all parties and its pioneering political and social model to influence positively the process of transformation in the region that will hopefully lead to peace, security and prosperity, and make a positive contribution to global development and stability."

The World Economic Forum's Jordan Meeting will be attracting 1000 leaders from business, politics and civil society from the Arab world, from Europe and from the United States:

•Representatives from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have agreed to meet privately during the World Economic Forum's Jordan Summit. And members of the peace Quartet (UN, Russia, USA and EU) will attend.

•Key Arab leaders will also be in Jordan, including Amre Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiaza Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

•Secretary of State Colin Powell and US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick will be unveiling their initiative for an Arab free trade zone.

•The newly created Arab Business Council will produce a blueprint for economic development in the region.

•The EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Javier Solana, the Secretary General of NATO Lord Robertson and the German Vice Chancellor Joschka Fischer have also confirmed their full support and participation.

Frederic Sicre, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum said, "We are at a unique moment for the Middle East, it's time for the region to build a new vision of political, social and economic development for itself. It is up to those who come to Jordan to play their part in this historic opportunity."

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world. The Forum provides a collaborative framework for the world's leaders to address global issues, engaging particularly its corporate members in global citizenship. Incorporated as a foundation, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit, it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. The Forum has NGO consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. (http://www.weforum.org)