Jordan Times
Tuesday, November 9, 2004
King receives US delegation
His Majesty King Abdullah with a delegation from
the US Congress on Monday. The representatives included Robert Wexler
(D-Florida), a senior member of the House International Relations Committee;
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R- Florida), chair of the Middle East
Subcommittee; Representative Steve Chabot (R-Ohio); Representative Ted
Strickland (D-Ohio) and Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois).
During the meeting, the King stressed the need to reach a solution to the Middle
East conflict that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian
state and all other legitimate rights of the Palestinians. He highlighted the
importance of the international community's intervention in encouraging the
Palestinians and the Israelis to resume the peace process. His Majesty stressed
Jordan's support for efforts designed to bring back stability in Iraq.
The Iraqis, he said, should be empowered to realise their aspirations of a free
life and a secure future. King Abdullah told the delegation that US economic
assistance is important to help Jordan implement its development and economic
programmes.
The Congress members said they highly valued the King's efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, commending the key status Jordan enjoys in the Middle East and international community. Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs and Government Performance Marwan Muasher, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah and US Charge d'Affaires in Amman David Hale also attended the meeting.