Jordan Times
Saturday, April 25, 1998
King receives German Media Award
King, Kohl discuss European role in peace process, sanctions toll
on
By Fairouz Abu-Ghazaleh
BADEN-BADEN — His Majesty King Hussein on Friday met with
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and discussed with him the European
role in the stalled Mideast peace process, the suffering of the
sanctions-stricken Iraqi people and bilateral relations between
the two countries.
The King stressed Jordan’s commitment to achieving a just
and comprehensive peace in the region and helping the
“Palestinian brothers in securing their legitimate rights
and establishing their own state on their national soil.”
King Hussein emphasised Jordan’s principled stand towards a
just, comprehensive and durable peace in the region.
The King also called for a review of the sanctions imposed on the
Iraqi people.
“It is time for seriously taking into consideration the
sanctions being imposed on the Iraqi people for the past ten
years,” said the King.
Also during yesterday’s meeting with Chancellor Kohl, the
King expressed gratitude for Germany’s continual assistance
to the Kingdom’s various sectors.
Chancellor Kohl voiced his appreciation to King Hussein’s
continued efforts for a better understanding among nations on the
basis of justice, equality, and international legitimacy,
stressing that Germany will continue its support for Jordan to
enable it achieve its objectives and aspirations.
He also underlined his country’s commitment towards full
implementation of all provisions of the Jordanian-European
partnership agreement.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Abdul Salam Majali and
Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, as well as senior officials on
both sides.
Jordan represents one of the highest per capita recipients of
German aid, which totalled around two billion marks since 1962.
German aid to Jordan for the 1998 fiscal year is 64 million
marks. In addition, Germany contributes 30 per cent of the
European Union’s budget, which has a separate aid programme
for Jordan and other countries.
In a separate meeting, attended by Her Majesty Queen Noor and HRH
Princess Haya, German President Roman Herzog expressed support
for Jordanian efforts aimed at establishing a lasting peace in
the Middle East.
President Herzog lauded the role of King Hussein in developing
Jordan in spite of the scarcity of its resources and
capabilities.
King Hussein also received at his residence in Bonn German
Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel and discussed with him means of
bolstering bilateral ties in all fields.
He also discussed with Mr. Kinkel the peace process in the Middle
East and means of pushing it forward.
Later on in the evening, His Majesty received the 1997 German
Media Award for his dedication and commitment to peace.
The ceremony was attended by President Herzog.
More than 400 leaders, politicians and international media
representatives attended the high-profile event, including
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
The King is accompanied by Prime Minister Abdul Salam Majali,
Chief of the Royal Court Fayez Tarawneh and Deputy Prime Minister
Jawad Anani.
The King and the Queen are scheduled to pay a state visit to
Denmark from April 27-29 and then Tunis afterwards.
Upon the King’s departure Thursday for Germany, HRH Crown
Prince Hassan was sworn in as Regent.