Jordan Times
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Palestinian question is core regional issue — Bakhit
Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Tuesday reiterated that the Palestinian question is the core regional issue, emphasising that finding a just
solution for the Palestinian issue will help overcome most problems, including terrorism.
During a meeting with a delegation of US Congressional aides currently on a visit to the Kingdom, the premier said the Arab Peace Initiative
represents a historic chance to achieve peace since it provides solutions that satisfy both the Arabs and the Israelis.
Bakhit voiced hope that the Israeli government would work to market the Arab peace proposal among the Israelis to provide it with better
chances for success.
The Arab Peace Initiative offers Israel full peace and normal relations with Arab countries in return for the withdrawal from all
Palestinian territories occupied after 1967, as well as an agreed solution to the refugee problem and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Premier added that people in the Middle East also feel that there is an unfair connection made between Arabs and terrorism, with no
real understanding of this phenomenon and its reasons. He also pointed to the unbalanced and selective criteria adopted in dealing with
regional issues.
Addressing reforms, Bakhit briefed the US delegates on the government’s plans to push for development despite difficult regional economic
and political conditions, particularly the increasing price of fuel on the international level.
On the local level, the prime minister referred to the municipal and parliamentary elections scheduled for this year upon His Majesty King
Abdullah’s directives, despite the current situation in the region.
Bakhit said Jordan and the US have common interests, especially in working to establish peace and security in the region.
Also on Tuesday, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khalid Touqan met with the US delegation
and briefed them on the ministry’s accomplishments.
Touqan highlighted different educational indicators, including the number of students enrolled in schools, currently exceeding 1,600,000.
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al-Ali also met with the delegates yesterday.
She expressed Jordan’s appreciation to the United States for its continued assistance, saying the Kingdom would continue to count on the
support of partners such as America as it continues on its ambitious path of reform.
Al-Ali referred to Jordan’s position as a voice of moderation and a promoter of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, highlighting the
role of the Amman Message in promoting the true image of Islam as a religion which rejects extremism and terrorism, and honours all human
beings.
The visiting delegates expressed the high recognition Jordan receives in the US Congress, highlighting the key role it plays on the
political and economic spheres both regionally and globally.
The delegation included staffers representing some of the key committees in the US Congress such as the appropriations, foreign affairs and
financial services committees.