Jordan Times
Friday, April 9, 2010
King renews support for Iraq
AMMAN (Petra) –– His Majesty King Abdullah on
Thursday received Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi and discussed bilateral
ties and means to foster cooperation.
Discussions also covered the political process in Iraq. The Monarch
congratulated Abdul-Mahdi on the successful Iraqi elections, stressing the
Kingdom's support for Iraq's security and stability, which he said is an
integral part of the security and stability of the region.
Abdul-Mahdi highlighted Jordan’s support for Iraq, saying the neighbour is
committed to developing cooperation with the Kingdom in all fields.
King Abdullah has repeatedly stressed the importance of Arab countries' support
in Iraq's reconstruction and national reconciliation efforts, saying Arab states
need to do more in this regard.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published earlier this week, His
Majesty said he is optimistic about Iraq because he believes in the Iraqi people
and their nation's vision of progress.
"I believe that we as Arab countries have been negligent in not standing with
the Iraqis more. I understand that Arab countries sometimes don't know how to
deal with Iraq. But I think this is a new phase in their lives with this new
election and we should be there for them. I'm optimistic and I believe in the
national spirit of the Iraqis," the King said.
Last month, around 25,000 Iraqis residing in Jordan participated in their
country's parliamentary elections, voting in a process that election officials
hailed as a success.
Official numbers regarding the total number of Iraqis residing in Jordan vary,
hovering between 400,000 and 500,000. Iraqis registered as refugees with UNHCR
numbered 38,517 as of February 28 this year.