Jordan Times
Monday, September 26, 2005
King reiterates Jordan's keenness to preserve unity of Iraqis
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on
Sunday reiterated Jordan's keenness to preserve the unity of Iraqis and build a
strong Iraq that provides a decent life for its citizens.
During a meeting with Ammar Abdul Aziz Hakim, a member of the Iraqi national
assembly, at the Royal Court yesterday, King Abdullah said the Iraqis' success
in preserving the strength and unity of their country is in the interest of, as
well as a priority for, Jordan as it is for Iraq.
The Monarch noted that the Kingdom works on urging all Iraqi forces to take part
in the political process and in the building of a secure and stable Iraq.
King Abdullah voiced the Kingdom's readiness to extend all possible assistance
and intensify cooperation with Iraq for the benefit of both countries.
The Iraqi official said the King's strong ties with all segments of the Iraqi
people was a basic factor in urging all Iraqis to engage in the political
process.
Hakim noted that the King's initiatives with regard to Iraq were an indication
of the deep-rooted ties between the peoples of the two countries.
“We are keen on the unity of Iraq and we seek, with all the segments of Iraqi
society, the Sunnis in particular, to construct a stable and unified Iraq, which
realises the aspirations of its people,” Hakim said.
He added that the country's major problem was acts of violence and terrorism
carried out by groups attempting to harm the security and stability of Iraq and
the solid ties between Iraqis.
Also yesterday, Prime Minister Adnan Badran held a meeting with Hakim during
which he expressed confidence that the Iraqis were capable of overcoming the
difficult circumstances they were going through.
The premier commended the Iraqi government's attempts to get more citizens
involved in the country's political process.
Badran referred to his recent visit to Iraq, which underlined the two
governments' keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Earlier this month, Badran became the highest-level Arab official to visit Iraq
since the US-led invasion in 2003.
The premier said Jordan was looking forward to the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister
Ibrahim Jaafari, expected in the near future.
Hakim said his visit to Jordan, part of the continuing contacts between
officials of both countries, is designed to strengthen mutual cooperation.
Senate President Zeid Rifai and Lower House Speaker Abdul Hadi Majali also met
with Hakim yesterday. They reviewed the latest developments in Iraq, expressing
the Kingdom's support for the country.
King receives British National Defence College delegates
Meanwhile, King Abdullah received a delegation from the British National Defence
College on Sunday and reviewed Middle East issues and the situation in Iraq and
Palestine with them.
The Monarch said Jordan supports the establishment of a viable and independent
Palestinian state living side by side with Israel, describing the idea as an
exemplary solution for establishing the foundation of the region's security and
stability.
Referring to the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip, King Abdullah said the step
should be followed by a withdrawal from the West Bank in accordance with the
roadmap peace plan.
The Monarch called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility
in supporting the Palestinian National Authority to build a strong economy and
improve the living standard of its citizens.