Arab-Israeli conflict New York, Nov 12, SPA -- After the death of Yasser Arafat and theend of the U.S. presidential election, Washington shouldnow "refocus" on solving the Arab-Israeli conflict _ inpart by quelling violence in Iraq, King Abdullah II ofJordan said in a newspaper column published Friday. "The world's most powerful, most visible democracy has achance to send a strong message to the region's people,especially its youth _ a message of deeds, not words,"Abdullah wrote in a column in Friday's New York Times."That means fulfilling the promise of a rebuilt, violence-free, democratic and sovereign Iraq." Abdullah also called on President George W. Bush'sadministration to take a more active role in guidingIsraelis and Palestinians toward peace, by "insisting thatboth sides engage in genuine dialogue and live up to theircommitments spelled out in the road map _ one thatPresident Bush has said could lead to the creation of aPalestinian state next year." Israel should withdraw from Gaza and "take otherconfidence building measures" to disprove allegations thatit was trying to stir conflict, Abdullah wrote. To further their case for statehood, Palestinians shouldinvest in public welfare and fight government corruptionand terrorism, he said.--SPA1431 Local Time 1131 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/216936