Jordan Times
Monday, March 28, 2005
World should support Abbas, King tells congressmen
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday
reiterated that the international community should support Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas' efforts to establish an independent state, build its institutions
and ensure security.
King Abdullah told a delegation of US congressmen at a meeting here that the
roadmap was the way to achieve a just and comprehensive peace and end the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
During the meeting, attended by acting Prime Minister and Minister of State for
Prime Ministry Affairs and Government Performance Marwan Muasher and Royal Court
Minister Samir Rifai, the King said Jordan backs all efforts to restore Iraq's
stability and security and empower its people to meet their aspirations.
The delegation, headed by Chairman of the House Committee on Rules David Dreier
(R-CA), groups Committee Vice Chairman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), committee
members Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Doc Hastings (R-Wash) and Phil Gingrey (R-GA), in
addition to Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), a member of the House Budget and
Appropriations Committee.
The Monarch, meanwhile, reviewed the Kingdom's development and reform plans.
“We are going ahead with reform in all fields... ensuring an active
participation by the public in decision making and setting priorities in line
with decentralisation plans,” King Abdullah was quoted by Petra as saying.
He said the national agenda of policies and strategies for the coming decade
would contribute to building modern Jordan, fulfil citizens' ambitions and
improve their living standards.
Dreier and his team are currently on tour of Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Israel,
Cyprus and Belgium, according to his official website. The delegation “will be
getting updates on the global war on terror, discussing democracy movements in
the Middle East, and promoting trade opportunities and economic relationships in
Europe and the Middle East,” according to a website statement.