His Majesty King Abdullah II
Statement By HM King
Abdullah II at Rose Garden
May 6, 2004
White House Rose Garden
Washington, D.C.
Mr. President,
Thank you for this opportunity to meet with you today and discuss vital issues
of mutual interest to both our countries.
I remain very concerned about the critical phase our region is passing through.
It is very important for the moderate voices seeking peace in our region to
prevail, so that we can break out of the cycle of violence which has held us
back for too long, and put the region on a new path to stability and prosperity.
I would like to outline the Jordanian position on the peace process,
particularly in view of recent developments. We feel that any unilateral Israeli
withdrawal from Gaza and the West Bank should be part of the road map, and
should lead to the achievement of your vision of a two-state solution.
Let me stress that a viable, sovereign, and independent Palestinian state on the
basis of the 1967 borders is also in Jordan's national interest. Failing to
achieve such an outcome will invoke other options all of which will endanger my
country's interests and that of the Region. This is one of the reasons why
Jordan insists on a two-state solution, and why it supports the road map as the
mechanism to get there. Jordan remains committed to a final and comprehensive
permanent status agreement based on the foundations of the Madrid conference,
the principle of land for peace, UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and
1397, agreements reached by the parties, and the Arab Initiative, endorsed by
the Beirut Arab League Summit.
Jordan also believes all final status issues, including borders, refugees,
Jerusalem and settlements should be a matter for the parties to decide. I am
encouraged by what I heard from you today that these issues are not to be
prejudiced, and should be mutually agreed by the parties.
In the context of the road map, I want to assure you, Mr. President, that Jordan
is ready to do its part in assisting the Palestinian Authority to rebuild its
capability and assume full control of the security situation.
Jordan stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States and the international
community in our common fight against terrorism. We cannot allow the terrorists
political agenda to succeed, and we assure you that Jordan will continue to do
its utmost to help win this cause.
Jordan is committed to support Iraqis in their quest to regain their
sovereignty, rebuild their institutions, and establish a society based on
freedom and democracy. The stability, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq is
an objective we both share, and we are determined to achieve it.
Jordan is also committed to a process of political and economic reform in the
region. We have adopted a far-reaching plan that addresses the key areas of good
governance, political freedoms, women's rights, judicial reform, educational
reform, and the liberalization of the economy. We also are strongly committed to
a key role by civil society. Our aim is to move towards a system that respects
diversity and guarantees pluralism at all times, so that democracy is not used
by any who might opt to subject to it once and then deny it to others.
Mr. President, the leadership of the United States is crucial in all our efforts
to reach a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. I want to thank you again
for this opportunity and I am determined to work with you to achieve this goal
in a timely manner.