Jordan Times
Saturday, June 27, 1998
King's talks with Clinton cover lifting Iraq sanctions — Srour
AMMAN (J.T.) — His Majesty King Hussein's recent talks with U.S.
President Bill Clinton in Washington covered the issue of lifting the U.N. embargo on Iraq
and other Arab states, Lower House of Parliament Speaker Sa'd Hayel Srour said in remarks
published Friday.
In an interview with the Qatari newspaper Al Watan, Mr. Srour said Jordan will pursue
efforts to have the sanctions on Iraq, as well as Libya and Sudan, ended.
Jordan is also continuing its endeavours toward ending the deadlock in the peace process,
and “we are optimistic that positive developments will take place allowing the
Palestinians to set up an independent state on their national soil,” Mr. Srour said.
Asked to comment on criticism levelled at Jordan for its efforts to normalise relations
with Israel, Mr. Srour said the subject has been dealt with many times in Parliament.
“Relations between Israel and Jordan are governed by a peace treaty, and as such,
Jordan is acting on the basis of that treaty and dealing with Israel in the same manner as
it deals with other nations,” explained Mr. Srour.
But he added that certain political circles have been trying to harm Jordan's reputation
by distorting its official stand.
Asked about the fate of the controversial draft press and publications law, which is now
before Parliament, Mr. Srour said the draft will be debated by the concerned parliamentary
committee and Parliament will open a dialogue with all the concerned parties. He added
that Parliament is keen on protecting freedom of expression.
On the prospects of a dialogue with the various political parties in Jordan on the draft
law, Mr. Srour said the House will involve writers, journalists and other concerned
parties before taking any decision. No time limit has been for endorsement of the draft
law, because everything depends on when the concerned committee finalises its study, he
added.
On Jordan's relations with Qatar, the House speaker said the two countries maintain very
strong ties and wish to further them.
He added that during his recent visit to Qatar, he was impressed by the determination of
the country to follow the path of democracy. Jordan is following up with interest the
democratic changes in Qatar and wishes its people all success, he said.