Jordan and Regional Issues

AL HAYAT THE ROYAL HASHEMITE COURT HIS MAJESTY KING ABDULLAH II INTERVIEW WITH AL-HAYAT NEWSPAPER Key Messages JORDAN AND REGIONAL ISSUES 66 It is necessary to employ this pivotal Arab platform, and every other global platform, to bring the positions of Arab countries closer together as we deal with these challenges.99 The Arab Summit 66 Some powers have taken advantage of the fragile Arab solidarity to influence the crises faced by Arabs to serve their interests.9 9 66 The summit also coincides with Arab countries' dire need to restore the momentum of joint action as a framework to address the challenges at hand. 99 66 We hope that this summit will be an opportunity to address this situation and focus on Arab integration, which is the real solution to our political, security and economic challenges. 99 66 Jordan, in principle, is open to all, and is proud of our relationship with all brothers and friends. We consider the principle of good neighbourliness as integral to joint Arab action.9 9 66 Jordan is keen on the security of Arab states in the Gulf, as our national security is integrated into one shared destiny. 99 The Role of Saudi Arabia 66 Strengthening relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States and bringing their views closer together, is of vital importance for the stability of the region and efforts to work out solutions and initiatives that can promote security, stability and prosperity. We should emphasise the important role of the Saudi leadership and its ability to influence Arabs and Muslims, led by my brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, who represents wise statesmanship, in a constant quest to protect the interests of Arab countries and the region and their peoples' future. 99 66 At the summit, Jordan will also focus on the Palestinian cause, which is a central issue to Arabs and the region. We will highlight the need to support the peace process, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions, in a way that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on their national soil with East Jerusalem as its capital, thereby ending the conflict in the region. At the same time, we need to ensure that Jordan's rights and higher interests related to final status issues are safeguarded. 99 Palestine 6 We will focus as well on the Syrian crisis and its consequences on Jordan, the region and the world, and the need to facilitate a successful political solution. We have consistently reminded the world that such a solution is the only way to end violence and bloodshed, as it leads to a comprehensive transitional phase, where the armed conflict is ended and the Syria repercussions of the humanitarian disaster and the spread of extremism are contained. These issues affect the future of the region and the world.9 9 66 Jordan is very keen on Iraq's stability, unity and harmony among all of its people, regardless of where they are situated in the political landscape. We are on equal footing with all shades of the Iraqi political spectrum. Our dealings with Iraq are carried out through formal institutional channels, enriched by close social relations between the two peoples. 9 9 Iraq 66 Jordan is a vital economic gateway for Iraq. To translate this ambition into actual prosperity for both countries requires an atmosphere of calm and stability, and this is what we hope and work to achieve. 9 9 66 There can be no stability in the Middle East without Egypt, and any who claims otherwise does not know the region and its history. Egypt is the largest Arab country in terms of population, accounting alone for 25 per cent of Arab society. Its security and its central role reflect positively on the region as a whole. 99 Egypt 66 Out of concern for the security and stability of Lebanon, and its sovereignty and unity, we stress the need for refraining from unconstructive interference by any Lebanese party in the Syrian conflict. 99 Lebanon 66 Our heart goes out to Lebanon because it is the most affected by the Syrian crisis in light of its demographic makeup. 9 9 66 As for our position in Jordan on the Iranian nuclear issue, we support diplomatic efforts and peaceful solutions that seek to spare the region any military action and its consequences. I emphasize the need to realize a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, while respecting the right of states to possess peaceful energy programmes. This principle, which Jordan has always advocated, should apply to all parties in the region. 99 Iran tateatatatalre @RHCJO