Jordan Times
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Peace key to reform — Monarch
WASHINGTON (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said the world of today
is witnessing historic changes and challenges and breakthroughs in human
knowledge and opportunity.
“And yet, for vast numbers across the globe, the daily realities have not
altered. Their world is one of poverty, unemployment, hardship and relentless
conflict,” King Abdullah told a Georgetown University ceremony, where an
honorary doctorate in literature and humanities was conferred on him.
King Abdullah said the present time holds “a moment of great potential, for my
region and the world. It can be an era of openness, cooperation and advancement
— a time for ending old divisions and expanding prosperity.”
“It is time to give them new reasons to hope and meaningful ways to participate
— economically, politically and in shaping our global culture,” he said.
The Monarch told his audience that building people's confidence that opportunity
is available to all is the biggest challenge facing reforms and development in
the 21st century.
“Clearly,” the King said, “it is not a challenge for the Middle East alone. But
for those of us in the Arab world, who believe in the future, who believe in our
people — it is a challenge we accept.”
King Abdullah noted that support is mostly needed for the issue of Arab-Israeli
peace.
“This conflict has caused major instability in our region. You can't build solid
reforms where violent shock waves are constantly churning,” he said, stressing
that there is an unprecedented opportunity to move the Mideast peace process
forward.
He urged the world to extend constant and active support. “Let's help them stay
focused on the promise of a lasting peace,” he said, referring to the Arab Peace
Initiative as a basis for regional peace.
“It is a positive vision put forward by Arab nations in Beirut, three years ago
— and one to which we remain committed,” King Abdullah said.
The world should also stand united in helping Iraq as the difficult work of
reconstruction continues.
“Iraqis need our help as they build security, establish effective and inclusive
institutions, and rebuild their historic country,” the King said.
The honorary degree was awarded to King Abdullah in recognition of his efforts
to achieve peace and prosperity in the region as well as promoting reforms,
democracy and dialogue between faiths, cultures and peoples.
A university statement commended the King as highly respected statesman and a
representative of the new generation seeking to introduce drastic changes in the
Middle East.
Yahya Hindi, a US imam who received his education in Jordan before starting work
at Georgetown, said King Abdullah is a dedicated leader who works for peace,
prosperity and welfare of the peoples in the region. He said the King embodies
the true meaning of Islam as a faith of tolerance and moderation.
The ceremony was interrupted by a person in the audience, accusing Jordan of
supporting aides of the former Iraqi regime and terrorist Abu Mussab Zarqawi,
not controlling border with Iraq and allowing certain elements to enter the
neighbouring country to carry out terrorist attacks.
But the audience denounced the accusations and applauded the King in recognition
of his role in promoting the values of moderation and tolerance.
Outside the campus, a few people gathered raising banners accusing Jordan of
terrorism and supporting Zarqawi.
Also Monday, King Abdullah met with World Bank President James Wolfensohn for
talks on cooperation between Jordan and the bank, particularly in the fields of
economy, tourism and development.