His Majesty King Abdullah II
Remarks by His Majesty
King Abdullah II
at the Peace Group Meeting
May 17, 2007
Aqaba, Jordan
Bismillah ar-Rahman
ar-Rahim;
Thank you all. I'm truly honored to join you this afternoon. I would also like
to say a special word of appreciation to Dr. Abdel Salam Majali for organizing
this meeting.
My friends,
Yours is one gathering where I don't need to talk about the urgency of achieving
a lasting, comprehensive, and just peace. I think you know the tremendous
opportunity we now have, as well as the dangers implied by this week's events in
Gaza.
But I do want to say a few words about your important role at this historic
moment.
2007 is a decision point. The Arab countries are unified behind the Arab Peace
Initiative. There is new international will to solve the crisis. The process is
commanding new attention from leadership on both sides. The issues are back on
the front page, instead of just the opinion columns.
The challenge now is to move the process forward, to build momentum to achieve
real results - and most importantly to do so now, while the opportunity is
there. If we let events drift, we will be looking at years of more violence and
destruction before another such opportunity opens. We need to act with courage,
vision, and determination.
The very best force for that is the people throughout our societies, who want
and need peace. We know that opinion polls testify again and again that people
on both sides want a negotiated settlement; they want an end to crisis and
destruction, they want the opportunities and benefits of peace. You are needed,
to give all these people a voice, and spread their message worldwide.
The peace constituency needs to engage every father, every mother, who has ever
feared for their child. It must empower every generation, especially our youth,
to reclaim their future from the divisions and violence of the past… and from
the violence that is unfolding today.
Your leadership is also needed to help people create a new and believable vision
for our region. Too many people know what it is to feel anger, sorrow, and
grievance. Help them remember the solidarity of successful peace - the hope; the
empowerment; the sense of new opportunity.
And, finally, your leadership is needed to get started on creating that reality
right now. I am very concerned - as all of you are - about the violence in Gaza.
It must stop for the sake of the Palestinian people, and for the sake of
Palestine.
Thirteen years ago, my father King Hussein called for “no more death, no more
misery, no more suspicion, no more fear, no more uncertainty of what each day
might bring.”
We aren't there yet, but we can be. And history shows that people like you will
make the difference. Non-violent, popular action has driven transformations
across the world. It demolished the Wall dividing Europe and ended segregation
in the United States.
I know that with your help, we, too, can help stop the violence and achieve a
new and more just era. And this land can emerge from the season of crisis.
I urge you to take the lead.
Thank you very much.