Updated

AMMAN, Jordan -- Jordan's foreign minister says his country supports a Palestinian drive for recognition at the U.N. but prefers negotiations toward creation of a Palestinian state.

Palestinians are appealing to the world body for recognition because peace talks with Israel are frozen.

Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told reporters Wednesday that Jordan supports the Palestinian campaign, but it should take into account the rights of Palestinian refugees, the fate of Jerusalem and the borders of a future Palestinian state.

He said the "best way" to attain statehood is through "direct negotiations."

Jordan hosts nearly 2 million Palestinian refugees, slightly more than in the West Bank and Gaza.

More On This...

It is also the custodian of Muslim and Christian holy shrines in Jerusalem.

A future Palestinian state would border on Israel, Egypt and Jordan.