Jordan Times
Sunday, May 7, 2006
Bakhit calls on
int’l community to further peace process
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Saturday called on the
international community to work towards bringing the Palestinians and Israelis
back to peace negotiations.
Bakhit made the remarks during a meeting with the chairman of the Republican
Study Committee in the US House of Representatives, Mike Pence, and an
accompanying delegation.
The premier stressed the importance of efforts to help the Palestinians
establish their own independent state, and the need to provide them with
financial assistance.
He also reiterated the country’s support for the political process in Iraq,
expressing hope that the new Iraqi government would improve the living
conditions of the people and unify the war-stricken country.
During the meeting, attended by Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib and US
Ambassador to Jordan David Hale, Bakhit praised the sound relations between
Jordan and the US, thanking the American administration for its support to the
country, particularly its economic assistance.
Pence, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation of His Majesty King Abdullah’s
stance in support of regional peace.
Noting that the American Congress is aware of the financial difficulties facing
the country, he said the US was working to help Jordan overcome these
difficulties.
Also on Saturday Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit met with the heads of the
country’s professional associations and stressed the government’s determination
to engage in dialogue with civil society institutions to reach an agreement on
issues of concern to the country.
He said the government has a clear vision and timeframe to advance political and
socio-economic development.
Bakhit reviewed the government’s priorities, which include tackling poverty and
corruption.