Jordan Times
Monday, February 27, 2006
King renews call for
Syrian-Lebanese dialogue
Monarch holds talks with Iranian vice president, Yemeni house speaker
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday reiterated that the
Lebanese-Syrian dispute should be resolved through dialogue to help improve ties
between the two countries and avoid further regional escalation.
King Abdullah told Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri, who arrived here to take
part in the Arab Parliamentary Union's meetings at the Dead Sea, that Jordan was
keen on Lebanon's unity, stability and security.
The King said UN's probe into the assassination of Lebanon's former premier
Rafiq Hariri should stay on track until the truth is revealed, highlighting the
importance of continued contacts between Jordanian and Lebanese officials to
help the Arab country overcome its current crisis.
Berri, for his part, thanked the Monarch for his support, and briefed him on
latest Lebanese developments. The speaker, who said he supported the Hariri
probe and was against severing ties with Syria, talked about his efforts to
create dialogue between political forces in Lebanon.
Also on Sunday, King Abdullah met with Yemeni House Speaker Abdul Aziz Abdul
Ghani, who will participate in the union's meetings.
The King told Abdul Ghani that Jordan was interested in further economic
cooperation with Yemen. Abdul Ghani said his country was keen to benefit from
Jordan's expertise in development projects.
Both sides also discussed regional issues and the role of parliamentarians in
standing up to challenges facing the Arab nation.
The King hoped that the March Arab summit in Khartoum will come up with
resolutions that would serve joint Arab action.
Meanwhile, the Monarch on Sunday said there were several opportunities to
enhance ties between Jordan and Iran in various fields.
The King told Iranian Vice President and head of Cultural Heritage and Tourism
Organisation Mohammad Moshaei that both countries can cooperate in the economic,
cultural and tourism fields. The King referred to his visit to Tehran three
years ago and talks he held on ways to develop cooperation between the two
Muslim countries.
On Iraq, King reiterated his condemnation of attacks against religious shrines
and mosques. A bombing attack last week destroyed a major Shiite shrine in the
Iraqi city of Samarra, triggering retaliatory attacks on Sunni mosques.
King Abdullah also underlined the role of Jordan, Iran and other neighbours of
Iraq in supporting the political process in violence-hit country as well as
efforts to restore stability.
On Sunday, Moshaei met with Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit for talks on means to
enhance bilateral ties.