Jordan Times
Monday, December 28, 1998
Tarawneh, Specter discuss ties, peace process, Iraq
AMMAN (J.T.) — Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh discussed on Sunday with an American delegation, led by Senator Arlen Specter, bilateral relations, the latest deadlock in the Middle East peace process as well as the crisis in Iraq.
Tarawneh, reiterating Jordan's support for a comprehensive peace settlement, highlighted the great efforts exerted by His Majesty King Hussein to attain comprehensive security and durable peace in the region based on the principles of the international legitimacy that would eventually pave the way for economic and social development.
The prime minister said that Jordan has called for ending the sanctions regime imposed on the Iraqi people since 1991 and resolving all crises in a peaceful manner through dialogue.
Tarawneh briefed the American delegation on the aspects of political development in the Kingdom, the economic reform programme and the ongoing restructuring process of different sectors.
The prime minister told the delegation that Jordan highly appreciates the positive role played by the U.S. Senate in endorsing the economic aid programme to the Kingdom, which the U.S. administration has pledged to increase.
During a recent visit to Jordan, U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright said the administration will work with Congress to obtain $200 million in additional security assistance to Jordan. Jordan receives an annual U.S. assistance package of $225 million — divided into $150 million in economic assistance and $75 in military aid.
Specter, head of the War Veterans Committee and a member of the influential Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed admiration for the courageous role played by King Hussein's in fostering peace, stability and security in the Middle East.
He said the King's important role was clear during Wye River Plantation talks in October, when a deal was brokered between the Palestinians and Israel unlocking the stalled peace process.
But Israel's refusal to release Palestinian political prisoners, which sparked violent street protests in the occupied territories, put the agreed upon second troop redeployment from the West Bank on deep freeze.
Specter, who is touring the region and the Gulf, also voiced appreciation Jordan's support for peaceful conflict resolution.
He also commended the advanced level of democracy, the great margin of freedom and the country's economic policies which have resulted in high levels of development in the Kingdom.