Jordan Times
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
King reaffirms support for Palestinians
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday reaffirmed Jordan's support for the Palestinian judiciary and enhance its role in serving the Palestinian people in the occupied territories.
Speaking at a meeting with the head of the visiting Palestinian judicial delegation, Zuhair Sourani, King Abdullah said, “we will not spare any efforts in extending support for training members of the Palestinian judicial council as part of our ongoing efforts to allow the Palestinians to benefit from Jordanian expertise.”
Sourani conveyed greetings to the King from the Palestinian leadership and people, expressing deep appreciation and gratitude for his stand in support of the Palestinian people's resolve.
Sourani said his delegation examined the Jordanian judicial system so it could benefit from it in developing the Palestinian judicial sector.
He also voiced his appreciation of the Jordanian judiciary and court judges he had met, expressing hope that the two sides will conclude an agreement on judicial cooperation
The Palestinian Higher Judicial Council and the Jordanian judicial authorities are charting an agreement on bilateral cooperation, including the training of Palestinian court judges for five years. Sourani said he discussed the draft agreement with Acting Minister of Justice Ahmad Hilayel and other officials during the past few days.
The King also met with a visiting delegation of US Congress staffers on Tuesday, and reviewed the general situation in the Middle East and Iraq as well as the Kingdom's development.
He also outlined the Kingdom's ongoing drive to promote and modernise the country's economy, education and youth sector.
King Abdullah said Jordan is exerting great efforts for reviving the peace process, stressing that no peace and stability can be achieved without a just solution for the Palestinian problem.
Jordan supports Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qureia and the Palestinian institutions, to help them establish a Palestinian government capable of negotiating with Israel, the King told the delegation.
He said the available opportunity for reaching comprehensive peace should not be missed.
King Abdullah described the present situation in Iraq as dangerous due to the lack of security. He said it is vital that steps are taken to enable the Iraqi people assume responsibility for their own affairs.