Jordan Times
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Tel Aviv should show 'strong
political will' — Mulki
AMMAN (JT) — Foreign Minister Hani Mulki on Tuesday said Israel should show a
“strong political will” in helping the Palestinian leadership take steps to
ensure the rule of law and order in the territories.
Addressing the London conference on the Palestinian Authority's reform, Mulki
urged all partners for peace to help the PA move ahead, saying it has been
navigating the dangerous waters of reorganising the internal situation with a
steady hand and has adjusted its message to satisfy both public and
international moods.
“It has also been able to face the post-Arafat world with confidence and
authority,” he said.
“It is in this context that we call for a strong political will to be shown by
Israel through working hand-in-hand with the new Palestinian leadership,” Mulki
added.
The top diplomat urged Israel to release all prisoners, including Jordanians,
and to hand over the financial rights originating from the tax revenues to the
Palestinian Authority. Such steps, he said, would create the climate for peace
and give Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas the push needed to get out of the
prevailing bottleneck situation.
Mulki said Jordan, as a positive and fair partner, will continue to exert every
possible effort in all the steps made to achieve peace and stability in the
region, but he warned that the Kingdom will not compromise its vital national
interests in the issues of the final status negotiations.
“The PA should not be judged on the actions of individuals and small groups,” he
said, stressing the importance of helping the PA combat favouritism and
corruption, as well as encourage inclusiveness and freedom of opinion.
“It is our responsibility to facilitate the work of the PA in drafting a proper
elections law, and carrying out judicial reforms and professional training in
all fields,” he added.
Mulki noted that Jordan has embarked on training programmes for Palestinian
police forces to help them maintain peace and security. The Jordanian judicial
institution also started work to train 20 Palestinian judges and district
attorneys with the main focus on human rights and humanitarian law.
“We have to envisage a follow up mechanism that will ensure a process of
continued support, evaluation and encouragement,” he told the delegates.
Mulki also called on both Palestinians and Israelis to fulfil their commitments
for peace, saying that an operational plan, that pursues credibility building,
understanding both communities and cultures and including the people at the
grassroot level in policy making, was required.