Jordan’s King Abdullah II has reiterated that Jordan considers east Jerusalem as an occupied land to which UN resolutions apply.
At a meeting with Jordanian editors-in-chief published in the local press Sunday, the King said that “our stand as to Jerusalem is crystal clear: Jerusalem is part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 and UN resolutions 242 and 338 apply to it. We refuse Israeli sovereignty on the city and the holy sites.”
The monarch stressed that Jordan has “vital interests” in the issue of the Palestinian refugees since the country hosts the largest number of the refugees.
“There is no contradiction between the refugees’ acquisition of citizenship rights in Jordan, and their right to return and compensation,” he emphasized, adding that Jordan will not allow its interests to be harmed.
Touching on domestic affairs, King Abdullah vowed to stand against favoritism and corruption, and called on the press to “unearth all aspects of corruption,” adding that “all who establish nepotism in Jordan, or show apathy regarding it, are my personal enemies.”
King Abdullah said that he is being kept abreast of the situation as far as corruption is concerned.
“I receive reports and tips on the phenomenon. I hear of people who are victims of beaurocracy, inefficient administration and corruption, and I am personally seeing to that.”
“After a year of experience, I can disguise in a way that none can uncover,” he said.
On several occasions, the young monarch went to certain government departments in disguise for a first-hand check of the situation.
Asked to comment on reports alleging that there were rows among the royal family, the king insisted that the Hashemites “will remain as one united family.”
He stressed that his relations with his father’s widow, Queen Noor, and his uncle Prince Hassan are warm.
“His Highness is my uncle and Her Majesty is the mother of my Crown Prince, brothers and sisters.
“My uncle has played a great role in all fields and I do respect and appreciate him… and Queen Noor is receiving all support from me and [Queen] Rania.” –Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
