Jordan Times
Sunday, May 13, 2007
PM reiterates Jordan’s stand on Palestinian issue
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit has
reiterated that any discussion on a federation or confederation between Jordan
and the Palestinian territories is premature and harms the two countries’
interests.
He made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the services
committee at the Wihdat refugee camp last week.
Bakhit, who conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah’s greetings to the residents of
the camp, stressed that the establishment of an independent and viable
Palestinian state tops Jordan’s diplomatic agenda.
The premier referred to the Monarch’s interview with the editor of Egypt’s Al
Ahram daily, Osama Saraya, last Wednesday, in which the King said the
Jordanian-Palestinian relationship is something to be decided by both sides
after the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The Monarch said efforts should focus now on launching Palestinian-Israeli peace
negotiations that would “lead to a two-state solution, an independent viable
Palestinian state on Palestinian soil, living in security and peace side by side
with Israel,” adding that the Arab Peace Initiative is an opportunity to achieve
regional peace and end violence and suffering “endured by the people of the
Middle East, especially the Palestinians.”
Bakhit reaffirmed Jordan’s firm stand towards the Palestinian question and the
refugees’ right of return and compensation, stressing the importance of reaching
a comprehensive, permanent and just solution to the Palestinian issue.
The premier stressed that Jordan cannot be excluded from any negotiations
related to the refugee issue because the Kingdom is home to around 40 per cent
of the Palestinian refugees, according to UNRWA figures.
Turning to this year’s parliamentary and municipal elections, Bakhit reiterated
the government’s commitment to holding impartial and transparent elections,
adding that it is planning to activate the participation of the silent majority.
The premier listened to the concerns and demands of camp residents, who called
for improving their living conditions and addressing problems such as traffic
congestion.
Following the meeting, Bakhit and the accompanying delegation visited Al Wihdat
Sports Club at the camp.