Jordan Times
Thursday, April 8, 2004
King says Palestinian problem will remain central issue
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on
Wednesday stressed that people's conviction of the reform process should be the
basis for plans to carry out reforms in the Middle East and to improve the
socio-economic situation of Arab societies.
Addressing a congressional staff delegation, His Majesty said Jordan believes in
modernisation, sustainable development and reforms, a process that started in
the early 1990s following a debate that involved all sections of Jordanian
society.
He stressed that the Palestinian problem will remain Jordan's central issue,
adding that if it remains unsolved, the region will witness more violence and
tension.
The King thanked the US Congress and administration for its assistance to
Jordan, noting that the Kingdom uses the funds to support the modernisation
process and sustain the Socio-Economic Transformation Plan.
Also present at the meeting were Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, Minister of
Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah and US Ambassador in
Amman Edward Gnehm.
Also Wednesday, the King discussed bilateral relations with visiting City of
London Lord Mayor Robert Finch and his wife, Lady Mayoress Patricia Finch.
Finch, who arrived on an official visit Monday with an accompanying delegation,
toured Amman Tuesday and was briefed by officials on the capital's various
development projects.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Ambassador to Amman Viktor Nagaichuk announced yesterday
that King Abdullah has received an invitation to visit the Ukraine, voicing hope
that the visit would take place “as soon as possible.”
The envoy was speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, on the 12th anniversary
of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Amman and Kiev. Nagaichuk also
announced that Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher received a similar invitation to
visit his country, while a Ukrainian media delegation is expected to arrive in
Jordan soon to help promote the country's tourism in Ukraine.
Also on Wednesday, King Abdullah received at the Royal Court president of the
General Electric Medical Systems, Renaldo Garcia, whose company has just set up
a regional office in Amman.
King Abdullah pledged support for the company's projects in Jordan.
The company took the decision to establish the office here in view of the
favourable investment climate in the Kingdom and the availability of skilled and
qualified human resources, said Garcia.
In response to Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania's concern to
promote women's status, the company has decided to establish a technology centre
to diagnose breast cancer and osteoporosis, Garcia added.