Jordan Times
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Bakhit briefs US delegation on regional developments
Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Wednesday reviewed the government’s reform efforts and regional developments with a
delegation from the American Council for the National Interest.
The delegation, headed by former senator James Abou Rizk, is visiting the Kingdom as part of a regional tour, which will
take in Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and Syria.
Bakhit and the delegation discussed recent developments in the Middle East, particularly efforts to revive the peace
process in light of US president George Bush’s recent call for an international peace conference.
Bakhit underlined the importance of bringing about a resumption of negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis and said
the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative provides a real opportunity for peace.
The initiative offers full peace between Arab states and Israel in return for the latter’s withdrawal from territories
occupied after 1967, as well as an agreed solution to the refugee problem and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Bakhit also highlighted the important role of US civil society and political organisations in presenting a real and
objective image of regional issues.
Regarding the Iraqi question, the premier voiced Jordan’s support for national reconciliation efforts while calling for an
end to sectarian violence.
The delegation also met with Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al-Ali who underlined Jordan’s
progress towards developing a modern, tolerant and open society.
The minister highlighted Jordan’s reform efforts, referring to the recently enacted Municipalities Elections Law and the
upcoming municipal elections, which will be held this month and allocate a quota of 20 per cent for women. In addition, she
highlighted the enactment of the National Centre for Human Rights and the Access to Information Laws.
Al-Ali also said the government has adopted several laws to promote accountability, including the Financial Disclosure Law
and enacting the Anti-Corruption Commission Law.
Meanwhile, Abou Rizk commended the Kingdom’s role in the region and expressed appreciation for His Majesty King Abdullah’s
commitment to regional peace and stability.
The Council for the National Interest is a nonprofit, nonpartisan grassroots organisation advocating a new direction for US
Middle East policy, according to its website.