Jordan Times
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Regional security can be achieved after Palestinians gain rights - King
AMMAN/ABU DHABI/DUBAI, February 18 (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday reiterated that achieving security and stability in the Middle East can be achieved only after the end of Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands and securing the Palestinian people's rights, including their right to establish an independent state.
He told the ambassadors of the EU in a meeting at the Royal Court that Jordan's efforts focus now on political development, empowerment of the youth and upgrading the performance of public agencies. The government and the Parliament, the King said, have a chance to work on developing the economy, revive a political life with an enhanced role by political parties and carry out women and youth empowerment programs.
Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah discussed issues of common concern with Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Southern Europe, Admiral Gregory Johnson.
The King also met with US Senator Gary Hart and reviewed with him Jordan-US ties.
Also Tuesday, the King discussed the Iraq issue in a meeting with president of the German parliament, or the Bundestag, Wolfgang Thierse, who is on a three-day visit to the Kingdom.
King Abdullah stressed the need to accelerate efforts to shift power to the Iraqi people and to improve the security situation in Iraq, noting that the Iraqi police and army should undertake such a mission.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Faisal Fayez delivered a letter from the King to UAE President Sheikh Zayed Ben Sultan Al Nahayan. The letter, which was received by Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan Ben Zayed, dealt with bilateral relations and regional issues.