Jordan Times
Monday, February 20, 2006
'Jordan keen on Iraq
unity'
King, Queen arrive in Bahrain on 2-day visit
Petra
HIS MAJESTY KING Abdullah on Sunday reiterated that Jordan was keen on Iraq's
unity, security and stability, stressing the importance of a representative
government in the neighbouring country.
“It is important and necessary for the future of Iraq that all its factions
participate in the political process under way,” King Abdullah told Moqtada Sadr,
the leader of Iraq's Shiite Sadrist movement, at a meeting.
The King added that Iraq should overcome its difficult situation and reemerge as
a strong and active country in the region.
“Jordan is keen on the unity of Iraq, a better future for its people and the
return of its vital role in the region. This is in the interest of Jordan as
well as Iraq,” the Monarch said.
Sadr is a member of the United Iraqi Alliance, a Shiite grouping which swept
parliamentary elections last month in Iraq, where Shiite Prime Minister Ibrahim
Jaafari has been chosen to form a new government.
The King described Jordan's ties with Iraq as “historic,” stressing that the
Kingdom does not differentiate between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds in Iraq and is
determined to communicate with all factions.
“It's our duty to protect Iraq's future,” the King said.
Sadr, who arrived here Thursday after visits to Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia,
where he performed the Hajj, hailed the King's efforts to help the Iraqi people
and the level of relations between the two countries. He said the role of the
King and Jordan was “very important in helping Iraq and the Iraqis overcome the
current situation.”
He also praised the King's endeavours to spell out the true image of Islam to
the world, particularly the “honourable” stand in Washington in defence of Islam
and the Prophet Mohammad.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit met with Sadr and discussed means to
enhance ties of cooperation between Jordan and Iraq.
Meanwhile, the Monarch left for Manama, where he held talks with King Hamad Ben
Isa Al Khalifa on means to enhance bilateral relations.
King Abdullah, who arrived in the Gulf kingdom with Her Majesty Queen Rania on a
two-day visit, also discussed with the Bahraini monarch Mideast developments.