Jordan Times
Monday, October 3, 2005
Premier reiterates Jordan's
keenness on preserving Iraqi unity
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Adnan Badran on Sunday reiterated Jordan's
keenness on preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, stressing
that the security and stability of Iraq is as vital as the security and
stability of Jordan.
During talks with Iraqi Interior Minister Bayan Solagh yesterday, the premier
emphasised the Kingdom's support for the Iraqi government's efforts to restore
security and stability and build the country's political and security
institutions, which would help the Iraqis administer their internal affairs.
Badran commended the political process in Iraq, underlining the need to involve
all Iraqi segments in this process to build a unified Iraq.
Lauding the ties between the two countries, the premier said Jordan had taken
several measures to facilitate the smooth flow of people and goods between the
two countries.
During the meeting, attended by Interior Minister Awni Yarvas and Iraq's
ambassador to Jordan, the premier and the Iraqi official discussed means to
enhance bilateral ties in various fields, especially economy, commerce and
transportation.
Speaking to the press following the meeting, Solagh commended the relations
between Jordan and Iraq, saying talks were focused on mechanisms for fostering
bilateral ties.
The Iraqi official said discussions also covered upgrading Aqaba Port to absorb
the economic demands of Iraq.
Solagh said the two sides explored prospects of establishing a railway between
the port and Iraq for the transfer of goods in light of estimates that Iraq
would witness a very large construction and investment renaissance in the near
future.
Responding to a question on security cooperation between the two countries,
Solagh said he had discussed the issue with Yarvas, referring to the accord
signed between the two sides on Saturday to strengthen border security in the
fight against “terrorism and organised crime.”
Solagh said Badran's recent visit to Iraq set an example that he hoped would be
followed by neighbouring Arab and Islamic countries.
“If the Iraq's neighbours cooperate as Jordan does, we will “strangle” the
terrorists not only in Iraq but also in the region and prevent the spread of
terrorism to neighbouring countries,” Solagh said.