Jordan Times
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Jordan a model for the region — US ambassador
AMMAN (Petra) — US Ambassador in Amman Edward Gnehm hailed Jordan as a model for the region in democracy, human rights and economic reforms on the one hand, and political development and the socio-economic transformation on the other.In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Gnehm said that the US urges regional countries to follow in the footsteps of Jordan and embark on a similar political development programme, highlighting in this context His Majesty King Abdullah's keenness to activate the role of political parties and produce a modern elections law. The envoy said the June 2003 parliamentary elections were free and fair according to monitors who attended the polls. He said the Lower House is also playing its role as a partner of the government with efficiency.
The US ambassador also highlighted amendments to economic legislation with the aim of realising envisaged economic growth.
Regarding US assistance to Jordan, Gnehm said the US supported the Kingdom with $700 million last year to make up for losses incurred as a result of the US-led war on Iraq.
He renewed Washington's commitment to support the implementation of projects in the water, health and women's empowerment sectors.
The envoy noted the dramatic rise in the trade exchange between Jordan and the US. Citing figures, he said the Kingdom's exports to US markets rose from $10 million in 1997 to $600 million in 2003.
He added that the two sides will expand their cooperation this year, especially in the anti-crime and counterterrorism fields. He said Jordan is aware of the nature of terrorism because it has been a victim of terrorist acts itself.
On the Palestinian issue, Gnehm reiterated US commitment to the roadmap and the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said that Washington, while recognising countries' right to defend themselves, has demanded that Israel reconsider its policies towards the Palestinian people.
Ambassador Gnehm added that the US wants to see the Middle East region free of weapons of mass destruction, and he voiced hope that this year would witness positive and substantial progress with regard to transition of power to the Iraqi people.