Jordan Times
Monday, October 3, 2005
King urges Iraqis to join political process
AMMAN (AP) — His Majesty King Abdullah urged
Iraqis on Sunday to participate in their country's political process ahead of a
referendum on a newly drafted constitution slated for October 15.
“It's necessary for all segments of Iraqi society to participate in the
political process to attain a free, independent and democratic Iraq,” King
Abdullah told ambassadors of the European Union accredited to Jordan.
“I hope that Iraq would regain its security and stability through the support of
the international community,” King Abdullah added.
His call came amid heightening tension in Iraq between the Shiite majority and
the Sunni minority, once powerful under former leader Saddam Hussein.
Sunnis demand that the draft charter be amended to recognise Iraq's unity and
Arab identity.
The Monarch, meanwhile, urged Israel to mirror its pullout from Gaza Strip with
the West Bank.
“It's vital the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza to be followed by similar pullouts
from the West Bank as stipulated in the roadmap, which is considered the best
way for achieving peace,” he said.
He was referring to the internationally backed peace plan which envisions the
creation of an independent Palestinian state.
King Abdullah urged the US, the EU and other key players in Mideast politics to
help Palestinians and Israelis “undertake measures for calming down the
situation and building mutual confidence in order for the peace process to
continue and achieve its goals.”
“Palestinian and Israeli sides must recognise that the future will be better
than the present,” King Abdullah added.