Jordan Times
Monday, August 30, 2004
Prince Hamzah lauds role of ACC members as Arab world's 'ambassadors'
DETROIT (Petra) — His Royal Highness Crown Prince
Hamzah has stressed the role played by Arab communities and affiliated
organisations in the US in defending the true values, rich culture and heritage
of the Arab world, calling for enhancing such efforts and building on them in
the future.
Addressing the 25th anniversary of the Detroit-based Arab American and Chaldean
Council (ACC) late Saturday, the Crown Prince said these community endeavours
have expanded to promote the principles of peace, love and respect between the
Arab world and the US.
The Prince described the ACC as a successful model of an organisation that
fosters the role of Arab communities in the US. He told the ACC members that
they have “acted as ambassadors” for the Arab world in their communities as they
have worked to promote dialogue, understanding and tolerance among diverse
cultural groups over the past quarter of a century.
The Crown Prince also underlined the role of youth in various fields, pointing
to the interest the ACC has shown in the sector, by recently setting up a centre
specialised in preparing young people to contribute to their local communities.
In this context, Prince Hamzah highlighted the Kingdom's efforts led by His
Majesty King Abdullah “to provide the youth with all the tools and resources
necessary to make them strong and effective individuals and a force of good
capable of building Jordanian society and contributing to the development of the
Middle East.”
The Jordanian leadership's interest in the youth, he said, stems from the fact
that the majority of the Kingdom's population is under the age of 30.
Speaking to an audience of more than 1,200 members of the Arab community in the
city, the Prince underlined the challenges facing the Arab world in its efforts
to build a promising future, noting that the Arab gross national product is only
half what it should be. Unemployment, he said, stands at 15 per cent.
At the event, also attended by HRH Princess Noor Hamzah and Jordan's Ambassador
in Washington Karim Kawar, the Crown Prince said that “for the communities to
truly flourish, people require both the freedom and security to support
themselves and their families.”
“Sustainable economic and social development goes hand-in-hand with peace and
security,” he added.
In this regard, he highlighted the King's endeavours to support all efforts
aimed at achieving peace in the Middle East.
Speakers at the ceremony included Shukri David, chairman of the ACC board of
directors, ACC President Haifa Fakhouri and ACC Executive Director Radwan Khouri,
who all shed light on the services the ACC offers to the Arab community in the
US.
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm also attended the event, where a number of
participants were honoured for their support to the ACC and distinguished
efforts over the past 25 years.
Earlier, the Crown Prince paid a visit to the Detroit-based Providence Hospital
where he was acquainted with up-to-date medical technologies deployed by the
facility and discussed with officials ways of cooperating with Jordan's medical
institutions.
Prince Hamzah left the US on Sunday on his way back home.