Jordan Urges Support for Annan's Syria Efforts

Jordan's King Abdullah II on Sunday reiterated calls to find a political solution in Syria and avoid more bloodshed in the neighboring country, where thousands have been killed in violence.

"Jordan believes in finding a solution to the Syrian crisis in line with Arab consensus and believes in supporting (peace envoy) Kofi Annan," a palace statement quoted the king as telling a U.S. congressional delegation.

"More bloodshed and violence should be avoided in Syria."

Annan said on Sunday he was "shocked" by mounting violence in Syria ahead of a U.N. Security Council deadline for regime forces to cease fire.

The United Nations says more than 9,000 people have been killed since anti-regime protests broke out in March 2011, while monitors put the number at more than 10,000.

Jordanian officials say around 95,000 Syrians have fled to the kingdom since last year.