Petra News Agency
Monday, December 27, 2004
Jordan Committed to Providing facilities to Iraqis
Minister of Culture and the Government
Spokesperson Asma Khader said that the Government had not received
any information from any party on detainees in Guantanamo.
During her weekly press briefing on Monday, she said that
intensive efforts are being exerted with the Foreign Ministry
regarding this issue.
The minister said that an agreement had been signed
between Jordan and the International Organization for Migration,
which supervises the Iraqi elections. "Under the agreement, Jordan
will be committed to providing facilities to Iraqis to enable them
to take part in the elections," she added.
On meeting of Iraq's neighboring countries, the minister said
that holding the meeting in mid January is of great importance due
to the accelerating developments as well as the need to find a clear
message from the neighboring countries towards Iraq.
"Invitations have been extended to foreign ministers of Iraq's neighboring countries including Iran and we are making contacts through diplomatic channels with these countries," Khader added. The spokesperson said that Jordan is keen to maintain good relations with all parties, affirming the importance of conducting the Iraqi elections with the participation of all segments of the Iraqi society, for achieving stability and security is in the interest of all parties. "We believe that providing the Iraqis living in Jordan with the opportunity to participate in the elections expands the base of participation," she added. On the security aspect during these elections, Khader said that Jordan will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize its security, indicating that this is not accepted by anybody. Regarding the participation of Palestinian in Jordan in the Palestinian elections, Khader said that "we have not received any request regarding this issue, noting that Jordan will not send observers to monitor those elections. "If there is an Arab role, we believe it should come through the Arab League," she said, adding that there will be a Jordanian media coverage of the elections in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The minister expressed Jordan's confidence in the Ability of the Palestinian brethren to hold fair elections.