Jordan Times
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Gov’t calls for ending Gaza cycle of violence
By Khaled Nuaimat
AMMAN — The government on Monday said it is
against the unjustified escalation of the security situation in Gaza, and urged
Palestinian factions to deal with the situation in line with the “interests of
the Palestinian people.”
During the weekly press briefing yesterday, Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh
said His Majesty King Abdullah’s talks and the government’s position in this
regard are for reviving direct negotiations and ending the cycle of violence.
He said Jordan has urged partners in the peace process to adhere to the roadmap
and place the interests of the Palestinian people on the top of their
priorities, calling for avoiding any unilateral measures.
“Jordan has been using its relations and influence in the international arena
and regionally to bring the current situation in Gaza to an end and to open
channels of communication between the concerned parties,” Judeh told the press.
In a response to a question on the findings of UN special rapporteur on torture
Manfred Nowak, Judeh said the official “was invited by the government, and all
his interviews and visits were arranged by the government.”
This was a positive sign and shows transparency, Judeh told reporters, adding
that the government has studied the rapporteur’s initial report and is waiting
for the final detailed report to examine it and comment on it.
Last week, Nowak urged Jordan to criminalise torture in line with international
laws and close special courts.
“I feel there is a general impunity in relation to torture in the country.
Impunity is a major reason for why torture happens,” Nowak told a news
conference after a two-day fact-finding mission in Jordan.
Meanwhile, in response to a question on a demand by the family of former Al
Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Mussab Zarqawi’s to have his body buried here, Judeh
said “Zarqawi was wanted by several states, including Iraq and Jordan.”
The US military and Iraqi government officials announced on Sunday that Zarqawi,
who was killed in a US air raid in Iraq last month, was buried in an undisclosed
location in Iraq.
Referring to the former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein’s daughter, Raghad, who
lives in Jordan and was included in the Iraqi government’s most wanted persons
list, Judeh said the government has not received any official request from the
Iraqi side.
“When we receive such a demand, through proper diplomatic and legal channels, we
will study the case and decide accordingly,” he added.
Judeh said Raghad was residing in the country for “humanitarian reasons” and was
asked not to engage in any political activities in the country.
Talks with Syrian officials on several issues including trade, water and borders
during last week’s meetings of the Jordanian Syrian Higher Joint Committee were
beneficial for both sides, according to Judeh.
As part of these meetings, Minister of Water and Irrigation Thafer Alem agreed
with Syrian Irrigation Minister Nader Al Bunni to form a technical committee to
evaluate the water situation in the aquifers of both countries.
At the conclusion of the meetings in Damascus, Jordan and Syria signed nine
agreements and protocols designed to enhance bilateral cooperation.
“Water was one of the major topics on the agenda, especially Jordanian rights
with regard to the Yarmouk River,” Judeh said.
In a response to comments on the Lower House by Islamic Action Front Secretary
General Zaki Bani Rsheid, Judeh said the government does not tolerate insults to
anyone, particularly the legislative authority.
In remarks to the press earlier this week, Bani Rsheid described the Lower House
as a “travel and tourism agency.”
The government spokesperson said the Cabinet would discuss the sale of Umniah
Mobile Communications at its meeting today.
Last week, Batelco agreed to purchase a 96 per cent stake in Umniah for $415
million.