Jordan's King Abdullah expressed concern over the future of the Palestinian people, their rights and their land. In an interview published Sunday in Al Hayat newspaper, the King said that "We work with our utmost energy to maintain the roadmap alive and to guarantee that any Israeli withdrawal would be a part of a full comprehensive peace process as stated in the roadmap".
Abdullah added that Israel still continues its escalation policy and continues to build the separation wall which "worries us a lot because it will tear up the Palestinian lands and make life very hard."
The Jordanian monarch stressed the importance of realizing what is happening and called for a move to save the situation.
In an interview conducted before postponing the Arab summit in Tunis, the Jordanian King expressed shock for Israel's assassination of Hamas founder, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and described it as a "crime by all standards." He called the international society to review the situation and put
an end to all the arbitrary Israeli practices.
The King said: "This crime was embarrassing for us especially that it took place two days after my meeting with Sharon". King Abdullah said that after the meeting he came out with the impression that Sharon will cooperate to move ahead in the peace process but "he is sorry to say that he embarrassed us by this assassination which was condemned by the whole world."
Abdullah expressed belief that the choice of an "alternative" Palestinian homeland is over and that neither the Jordanians nor the Palestinians accept it anymore.
He also disclosed that he would visit the United States next month to see what could be done to support the roadmap despite "our belief that the Americans are busy with the presidential elections."
On the Internal level, Abdullah said that the political and economic "march" is moving ahead and "we have achieved a lot in this field and I believe that we are moving in the right direction." He added that "we, in Jordan, have a comprehensive and clear reform plan for our people and look
forward to achieve this."
The king added that reform is an internal affair and any interference to impose it or give foreign forms for it will not succeed.
The king expressed worry over the increased violence in Iraq and affirmed that the Iraqis have proved to be united despite all the conspiracies. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
