King Abdullah and Queen Rania Current Events 2: September 2004-March 2005


If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Status
Not open for further replies.
~*~Humera~*~ said:
I just saw the last few minutes of an interview King Abdullah gave to ABC's Peter Jennings. Nothing remarkable or surprising in it. He talked about democracy in the Middle East and reforms in Jordan. What I found interesting is that Peter asked him whether he'd be willing to have a constitutional monarchy in Jordan instead of an absolutist one and the King said "absolutely"

Actually I heard the Peter Jennings grilled him pretty hard, especially on the fact that KA has not given freedom to the media. It woudl be good to get that transcript. KA was pretty much tongue-tied.
 
Transcript ABC Interview

Reina said:
Actually I heard the Peter Jennings grilled him pretty hard, especially on the fact that KA has not given freedom to the media. It woudl be good to get that transcript. KA was pretty much tongue-tied.

The part concerning Jordan (there is nothing on the media):

JENNINGS: And you've said a couple of times now about pushing the envelope in Jordan. What do you mean?

ABDULLAH: Well, two things, that we've done. Obviously we have a national agenda, which is a sort of a 10-year program, bringing in civil society to create a road map on where Jordan should go. I think that is very important. More importantly, from my short-term point of view, with political reform is this idea of complete government decentralization, and created three regions in Jordan, North, Central and South. And allowing those regions to be able to talk about their own futures, and be part of the building block of a new democratic process in Jordan.

JENNINGS: Who would win a free election in Jordan today?

ABDULLAH: Well, unfortunately, this is the problem that we've been dealing with. We have 30 political parties, none of which really have any political platforms, and the problem that I've been facing is that next parliamentary elections, in two years time, I don't want parliament officials being elected because they belong to this tribe or this village or this particular constituency. I want them to be elected on a party political platform. And this is one of the reasons why we moved into this decentralization, this sort of regional program, to try and get grass-root process in creating two or three parties that represent left, right and center.

JENNINGS: Any number of international organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, international organizations that favor democracy, say that one of the impediments to political development in Jordan is in fact the crown itself, namely you.

ABDULLAH:Well, by decentralization, by being able to create three or four political parties as opposed to 30, I think that we can strengthen the institutions, so that the crown can take a step back and people can take a step forward.

JENNINGS: But if people want 30 political parties, why shouldn't they have them?

ABDULLAH: Well, you can have 30, you can have 50, but political parties, if we're trying to -- I mean, seriously move the process along, 30 parties or more that do not have political party platforms, where they stand on the economy, where they stand on social services, health, education, I don't think that's the mature way of growing them. We're trying to, and this is the problem, the khan can't step in and say to political parties, 'Shouldn't you come up with a political party program?' But we're hoping, with democratic maturity, that that happens, and, we haven't -- (Overlap)

JENNINGS: Excuse me for interrupting. Who decides democratic maturity? Who is --.

ABDULLAH: The people.

JENNINGS: -- as of now, you decide democratic maturity?

ABDULLAH: Well in this particular position, we formed the government, that the parliament is elected by the people. But to encourage that, I mean, I have been in discussions with parliamentarians that would it be stronger for you to create where you stand on issues of education, social services, et cetera, et cetera, so that you can create a political party so that in the future, the people actually pick you for where you stand, and not because you happen to be a cousin or a tribal member?

JENNINGS: Would you be happy to be the head of a constitutional monarchy, as well ...

ABDULLAH: Well, eventually ... (Overlap)

JENNINGS: ... than an absolute monarchy?

ABDULLAH: ... eventually that's what we're trying to do, and by creating, decentralization, by trying to get these three regions, with their own elected parliaments, that will be the end game.

JENNINGS: So the end game could be a constitutional monarchy, not an absolute monarchy?

ABDULLAH: Absolutely. Because that -- I mean, we have to modernize, I think monarchy plays a vital role in countries such as Jordan. I think there's a lot of positive aspects, but monarchies have to modernize, and a way of modernizing is to do these political reform issues that will give people a much larger say in the way their countries go.

JENNINGS: Can I put it to you quite bluntly, sir: Do you condone the torture of prisoners in the Jordanian penal system?

ABDULLAH: Not at all, and there has been some cases reported where there has been abuse between prisoners and between police prison guards. And I have a new police chief at the moment that is looking into that. We have problems where we've got, as many countries do, overcrowding in jails. We're trying to build new infrastructure. And I gather from the chief of police that he has actually cleaned out a lot of people that he felt are corrupt and not up to the standard. And if we are going to be part of the international community, certain standards need to be set, and especially in jails.

JENNINGS: Why do you think the United States is sending, quote, suspected terrorists, unquote, to Jordan?

ABDULLAH: I'm not fully aware of that process. I know this has been reported in the press. And I don't have enough information to be able to answer that. (Overlap)

JENNINGS: It's a very big issue in the United States, as I'm sure you know, because Americans believe that prisoners are being sent, or rendered, as it's called, to countries where torture is permissible ...

ABDULLAH: Right.

JENNINGS: ... or acceptable, rather than here.

ABDULLAH: Right. Well, again, I'll have to talk to my people about that, but I think that we have standards that we want to keep as part of the international community, and if there are any wrongdoings done in Jordan, then, you know, we need to make sure that those issues are addressed.

JENNINGS: Can you imagine yourself saying no to the United States, if the United States wanted to send a suspected terrorist to the Jordanian system?

ABDULLAH: (Deep breath) Well, I'd , I would have --I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I know we have a very good relationship between the Jordanian and American government. I wish I had more information to be able to give you on that particular issue.

JENNINGS: As Americans look at these changes in the Middle East, now they look at Jordan without question, including the restrictive political party's law. Why does that not change, and why could that not change immediately?

ABDULLAH: Well, we're in actually in the process of changing those issues.

Copyright © 2005 ABC News Internet Ventures

The full interview is here:

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/print?id=583538
 
Thanx for the transcript Veram. Jennings was harder on King Abdullah, especially compared to previous interviews he has given to the likes of Wolf Blitzer, Charlie Rose etc.
Not that im saying Jennings should've been indulgent. Though I must say that the King seemed, at times, taken aback by the style of Jennings' questioning.
 
~*~Humera~*~ said:
Thanx for the transcript Veram. Jennings was harder on King Abdullah, especially compared to previous interviews he has given to the likes of Wolf Blitzer, Charlie Rose etc.
Not that im saying Jennings should've been indulgent. Though I must say that the King seemed, at times, taken aback by the style of Jennings' questioning.

Yes, but I think, the king managed the situation rather well.
 
Queen Rania is named one of the best-dressed women in Vanity Fair's annual list of best-dressed men and women. compiled by its senior articles editor, aimee bell.
 
you'll find it in the april 2005 issue i believe, the one with Eastern European supermodels on the coverpage
 
March for Solidarity with Tsunami Victims</FONT></STRONG>


Pet0128 4 0200


March for Solidarity with n true;">Tsunami</SPAN> Victims
Amman, March 18(Petra)-- Deputizing for Her Majesty Queen
Rania Al Abdullah, Minister of Social Development Reyad Abu Karaki
patronized on Friday the national day's march for solidarity with
tsunami victims.

Minister of Education Khaled Touqan, a number of
ambassadors and other officials took part in the march, which was
organized by Al-Dustour Daily newspaper in cooperation with the
Jordanian Red Crescent.

Ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Indonesia delivered speeches
in which they expressed thanks and appreciation for Jordan, under
the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in supporting their
countries and providing humanitarian assistance to people
affected by the tsunami disaster.

//Petra//

http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/18/24372900.htm


what does it mean when they say "deputizing" for queen Rania?

-Eliza​
 
King Meets Representatives of IT Companies

Petra


King Meets Representatives of IT Companies
South Carolina, March 18(Petra)-- His Majesty King
Abdullah II stressed that we are moving confidently towards
implementing the strategy of comprehensive reform, liberalizing
national economy, and enhancing democracy, human rights, and
investment in developing human infrastructure.

'' Jordan will continue the implementation of
programs of sustainable development and reforms despite the
difficult regional circumstances,'' King Abdullah added.

His Majesty stressed that Jordan is leading the march of
bridging the gap between the East and the West and fighting
extremism.

During his meeting with a number of major
IT Companies' officials in Leaderships Conference, which was
organized by Cisco in South Carolina, His Majesty affirmed that
Jordan is looking forward to using the IT as a mean of development,
noting that Jordan will go ahead in developing the IT industry and
supporting this sector.

On the other hand, His Majesty highlighted the importance
of building youth capabilities in the IT field with a view to enable
them to play a role in creating the modern Jordan. '' Developing
educational curricula and using technology in education,
particularly in the fields of English and math aim to keep pace
with the learning- teaching age,'' King Abdullah added.

His Majesty also outlined the Jordanian distinguished
expertise in the field of fulfilling needs of the Jordanian economy
and attracting foreign investments to Jordan, calling on the world's
companies to invest in Jordan.

//Petra//............more

 
a continuation of news posted by Salma


The King also reviewed the Jordanian investment climate,
which provides various privileges to investors. '' The Free Trade
Agreement with the USA contributed to activating the national
economy, which achieved a 7.5% growth rate last year,'' said the
King, who also noted that the agreement played a major role in
increasing the volume of trade exchange between Jordan and various
parties.

On the regional situation, His Majesty underlined efforts
being exerted by Jordan to achieve a just, lasting, and
comprehensive peace in the region, pointing to the importance of
exerting efforts to end the Palestinian- Israeli conflict and
establish an independent viable Palestinian state.

'' Elections and promoting democracy in the region contribute
to creating suitable climate to implement developmental and reform
programs,'' the King added.

For his part, Cisco Chief Executive</SPAN> John Chambers valued
the role being played by His Majesty King Abdullah II to achieve
development in Jordan and the region. He also pointed that the
trained and qualified Jordanian cadres could make Jordan a vital
center for investments, noting that his company's successful
experiment in Jordan is deemed a model for other companies.



-Eliza


 
King Receives Earth tech, Global Energy, and Coastal Corporation Officials</FONT></STRONG>


Pet0271 4 0311


King Receives Earth tech, Global Energy, and Coastal Corporation Officials
Washington, March 18(Petra)-- His Majesty King Abdullah II
received on Friday Chairman of Earth Tech Company Alan Krusi and
deputy director of the Company Richard Larsen.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of
issues concerning water treatment and management</SPAN> as well as
possibility of benefiting from the Company's technical expertise in
this field.
Earth Tech Company, which is one of the pioneering companies
in this regard, is opening its regional office in Amman.
The King also met with the director and the deputy director
of Global Energy Company and discussed with them possibility of
launching projects in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone,
particularly in energy and water treatment fields.
On the other hand, the King met with President of Coastal
Corporation Oscar Wyatt Bill Grant.
During the meeting, investment opportunities provided by the
Jordanian economy were discussed.
Talks also covered possibility of implementing a number of
projects in Aqaba such as petroleum refining project.
Talks were attended by Director of the Economic and
Development Department at the Royal Court Muhammad Rawashdeh.



Link to story:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/18/24374700.htm


-Eliza

 
King Meets Representatives of International Democratic Groups</STRONG></FONT>


Pet0459 4 0610


King Meets Representatives of International Democratic Groups
Washington, March 19 (Petra) -- His Majesty King Abdullah II said
that ''we are continued in our comprehensive reform march in the
political, economic, social and administrative domains'' reiterating
that ''We in Jordan have put criteria for ourselves to develop the
community and to be a model for other countries in the region''.

The King reiterated, during a meeting on Friday with
representatives of the international democratic groups in Washington
which are concerned in human rights, enhance democracy,
transparency and public freedoms, that the Jordanian national agenda
will contribute to building the modern Jordan and achieving the
ambitions of all Jordanians.

''We in Jordan encourage political parties that work
according to clear national programs'', the King added.

King Abdullah said ''We also seek to support the culture of
democracy and enhance the role of political parties and the civil
society institutions to take part in forming the better future''.

The King noted, in the meeting which was attended by
Minister of the Royal Court Samir Rifai and the Jordanian Ambassador
in Washington Karem Quwar, that the previous election experiment
witnessed the engagement of many youth and secreted a number of
deputies who have a great level of education.

King Abdullah reiterated on the necessity of press to have its
controlling role in a frame of the responsible freedom which is
coordinated with the press convention of honour.

His Majesty the King said that the message of Amman that
presents the true image of Islam addresses all Muslims all over the
world to help them to show the tolerance and modernity of Islam and
its call for dialogue and co-existence.

His Majesty added that the Middle East region heads for achieving
reform and enhance democracy in a way to serve the ambitions of its
peoples in progress and development.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Prime Ministry
Affairs and Government Performance Marwan Muasher, said that the
national agenda which remarks the general frame of Jordan for the
next ten years is considered as a governmental approach which
reflexes the executive plans in the political, social and economic
fields, reiterating that the political development and political
reform axis will be one of the main axes of this agenda.


link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/19/24395400.htm

 
Jordan going ahead with refrom — King

Petra

HIS MAJESTY KING Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that Jordan was going ahead with political, socio-economic and administrative reform plans. “We, in Jordan, have set standards to develop the community and to be a model in the region,” King Abdullah said at a meeting with representatives of Washington-based international groups advocating democracy, human rights and freedoms.

The King stressed that Jordan's national agenda, expected to be drafted in September, is to contribute to the Kingdom's modernisation and meet citizens' aspirations in enjoying a better living.

Reiterating support for political parties of clear national programmes, the Monarch said Jordan seeks to enhance democratisation and activate the role of the society's institutions for a brighter future.

Highlighting the important role of the youth and women in political development and elections, King Abdullah said it was significant that media outlets carry out their monitoring role in a responsible, professional and ethical manner. He added that the “law has the final say on setting red lines to preserve the freedom of expression as well as freedom of the press.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs and Government Performance Marwan Muasher briefed the meeting on plans to reform the public sector.

Bridging the gap

On Friday, the King said Jordan was leading a process to bridge the gap between East and West and to stand up against extremism and isolation.

Addressing a conference organised by Cisco Systems in South Carolina for major international IT companies, King Abdullah said IT is a key component in Jordan's reform, adding that the Kingdom seeks to use such a technology in development and progress.

Noting that knowledge boosts productivity, the Monarch added that developing the educational curricula in the Kingdom and the utilisation of technology tools in the field, particularly in English language and maths, were to meet international learning standards.

The Monarch urged the companies to invest in Jordan, underlining that the investment climate there offers incentives, including tax exemptions. Cisco, a major partner in the Jordan Education Initiative, has set up an academy in the Kingdom to train students on IT.

The initiative was launched to examine and explore innovative ideas for educational reform to meet the needs of a knowledge-based economy, test alternative models of delivery, and create and facilitate a forum for debate on educational policy development.

Also Friday in Washington, the King met with Earth Tech President and CEO Alan Krusi and Vice President Richard Larsen for talks on issues related to water management and treatment.

Earth Tech, a top international firm in the water, environmental, transportation and construction marketplace, plans to set up a regional office in Amman.

The King also held similar talks with top executives of Global Energy Solutions, a world leading company in pipeline management, which plans to launch projects in Jordan, including a water desalination plant in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. He also met with top executives of Coastal Corporation.


link:

http://jordantimes.com/sun/homenews/homenews1.htm
Sunday, March 20, 2005
 
wondering about something. Someone, somewhere, mentioned a 60 minutes segment on the JRF in which some lady apparently pulled QR's hair...can anyone tell me what the context was and what episode of 60 minutes it was? Thanks

why would anyone pull QR's hair--OUCH


Eliza
 
Dont want to sound mean or anything, but does anyone else wonder how beautiful all these queensa nd princesses look in EVERY photo? I mean, even women who i would have thought were fairly ordinary-I dont want to name anyone- have been tranformed into these great beauties as soon as they married a prince. I cant help but wonder how they look great in EVERY picture, when even models have to have several taken and out of those 100 they chose the best one to be published. And those are airbrushed, glossed, etc.How do these ladies do it? I'm sure the news agencies dont airbrush their photos!
 
King Abdullah of Jordan is embraced by Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia after receiving an honorary doctorate degree March 21, 2005 in Washington DC. The king spoke of his efforts to encourage peace in the Middle East after receiving his honorary degree.
 

Attachments

  • 52463186.jpg
    52463186.jpg
    35.6 KB · Views: 147
  • 52463187.jpg
    52463187.jpg
    36.7 KB · Views: 143
  • 52463188.jpg
    52463188.jpg
    41.6 KB · Views: 182
  • 52463189.jpg
    52463189.jpg
    42.2 KB · Views: 149
  • 52463181.jpg
    52463181.jpg
    33.4 KB · Views: 145
  • 52463190.jpg
    52463190.jpg
    41.8 KB · Views: 147
You're welcome

more pictures....
 

Attachments

  • 329490.jpg
    329490.jpg
    150.9 KB · Views: 116
  • 329491.jpg
    329491.jpg
    126.4 KB · Views: 131
  • 329489.jpg
    329489.jpg
    135.9 KB · Views: 130
  • 329488.jpg
    329488.jpg
    131.9 KB · Views: 153
  • 329487.jpg
    329487.jpg
    132.3 KB · Views: 125
  • 329486.jpg
    329486.jpg
    192.7 KB · Views: 117
  • 329485.jpg
    329485.jpg
    135.1 KB · Views: 136
  • 329482.jpg
    329482.jpg
    134.8 KB · Views: 138
and some more...
 

Attachments

  • 329492.jpg
    329492.jpg
    97.3 KB · Views: 129
  • 329493.jpg
    329493.jpg
    122.8 KB · Views: 157
  • 329494.jpg
    329494.jpg
    133.1 KB · Views: 142
  • 329495.jpg
    329495.jpg
    127.7 KB · Views: 118
  • 329496.jpg
    329496.jpg
    162.5 KB · Views: 164
  • 329497.jpg
    329497.jpg
    132.1 KB · Views: 131
  • 329499.jpg
    329499.jpg
    123.4 KB · Views: 122
  • 329498.jpg
    329498.jpg
    127.7 KB · Views: 161
  • 329500.jpg
    329500.jpg
    130.6 KB · Views: 133
  • 329504.jpg
    329504.jpg
    137.1 KB · Views: 120
King's Address at Georgetown University
Washington/ March 21/ (Petra)--His Majesty King Abdullah II
said despite the world changes, challenges and historic
developments including breakthroughs in human knowledge and
opportunities, daily realities related to poverty, unemployment,
hardship, and relentless conflict have not altered.
In a speech delivered at a special function at Georgetown
University during which the King received an honorary doctorate from
the university in literature and human studies, King Abdullah said
we are living moments of "great potential, for my region and the
world. It can be an era of openness, cooperation and advancement- a
time for ending old divisions and expanding prosperity."
Addressing a gathering of the university professors and
students, King Abdullah said " We will not achieve that potential
until we reach the voiceless majority and give them new reasons to
hope, and meaningful ways to participate economically and
politically."
The greatest challenge of the 21st century development and
reform is to provide people with confidence that the opportunity is
available for all, King Abdullah told his audience.
" Clearly, it is not a challenge for the Middle East alone.
But for those of us in the Arab World, who believe in the future,
who believe in our people - it is a challenge we accept," King
Abdullah said.
The King made it clear that the Arab-Israeli conflict "has
caused major instability in our region." However, King Abdullah
said " Today, we have an unprecedented opportunity...and the friends
of peace need our constant and active support."
The King noted the positive vision put forward by Arab states
in Beirut three years and one to which we remain committed, a
reference to the Arab peace initiative.
Referring to the situation in Iraq, King Abdullah said the
Iraqis need our help as they build security, establish effective
and inclusive institutions and rebuild their historic country.
 
King's Address at Georgetown University...1st LD
Following is the full text of the King's address:

President DeGioia,
Members of the Board,
Distinguished Faculty and Guests:

Thank you. I am honored to receive this degree, doubly
honored, to receive it from a university that I attended, and
respect so greatly.
Georgetown University is an enduring testament to the good
that comes, when the doors of scholarship are open to a global
community. By welcoming students from around the world, you have
helped create a truly international dialogue. I am proud to be
counted among you.
I came to Georgetown for graduate studies in 1987. Just
eighteen years ago-and a world away. In 1987, the Berlin Wall was
standing. The Dow Jones Average made headline news by
topping...2000. There was no World Wide Web. No dot-coms, and no
dot-coms crash. Global trade was a fraction of what is today. And
nearly half of the population of today's Arab World had not yet
been born.
Historic changes and challenges. Breakthroughs in human
knowledge and opportunity. And yet, for vast numbers across the
globe, the daily realities have not altered. Their world is one of
poverty, unemployment, hardship, and relentless conflict.
When I talk to people in need, they tell me they want to
hope, they are eager for opportunity, they are ready for better
days. And I can tell you that every time their hopes are
disappointed all nations lose. Because earth's dispossessed are
vulnerable targets for extremists: those who teach that global
justice is meaningless, that satisfaction can come only in violence,
division, and intellectual isolation.
 
King's Address at Georgetown University...2nd LD
Dear Friends,
Ours is a moment of great potential, for my region and the
world. It can be an era of openness, cooperation and advancement - a
time for ending old divisions, and expanding prosperity. But we will
not achieve that potential until we reach the voiceless majority. It
is time to give them new reasons to hope, and meaningful ways to
participate- economically, politically, and in shaping our global
culture. Most important, people need confidence that opportunity is
available to all.
This the challenge of the 21st Century development and
reform. Clearly, it is not a challenge for the Middle East alone.
But for those of us in the Arab World, who believe in the future,
who believe in our people- it is a challenge we accept.
More than five years ago, Jordan committed to a reform
strategy that would accelerate the pace of change. We have taken
specific steps to support pluralism, strengthen private-sector-led
growth, and create a renewed social contract. It is a sustainable
process that will build on its own successes- a virtuous cycle of
change.
That means educational programs that equip young people to
succeed in a modern economy. It means human-rights initiatives that
empower women and youth to participate fully in the life of the
nation. It means disengaging government from state media, to support
the growth of responsible, independent press. It means good
governance, to facilitate private-sector job creation and national
economic growth-indeed, last year, Jordanian GDP grew 7.5 percent.
Real change only happens when citizens throughout society
understand and commit to reform. This is one reason effective
reform must be home-grown. It is also why, in Jordan's model,
participation is important at every level. In addition to our
elected national Parliament, we are establishing development regions
across the country, each with a directly elected local council.
Such decentralization will give the grassroots a more direct say in
their own development.
More...
Injadat/ Petra
 
King's Address at Georgetown University....3rd LD
Most recently, I asked a high-level Committee to set a
national agenda to guide the country in all areas-political,
economic and social. The Committee brings together leaders from
government, the media, civil society, political parties and private
sector.
We believe that Jordan's reform model is relevant to the
entire Middle East. it responds to the challenges and opportunities
of modern world. It takes inspiration and power from our society's
deepest Arab-Islamic values: respect for human dignity, global good
citizenship, tolerance and peace. And we have spoken out very
clearly about these values, in our worldwide Amman Message about the
true Islam.
As President Bush recognizes, reform will take a different
course in each country in the Middle East. In my meeting with the
President last week, we had very good discussions about the progress
that is being made. The Arab World is writing a new future, the pen
is in our hands. But we need and welcome the support of friends
throughout the world.
No-where is that support more important than on the issue of
Arab-Israeli peace. This conflict has caused major instability in
our region. You can't build solid reforms where violent shockwaves
are constantly churning. Make no mistake about it: today, the
enemies of a just peace are enemies of Arab progress. For sake of
the parties, the region, and the world, the time has come to heal
the land.
 
King's Address at Georgetown University...4th LD
Today, we have an unprecedented opportunity to move the
process forward. The parties have a greed to the Roadmap. The
international community is on board through the Quartet the G-8. In
London, earlier this month, leading nations committed to helping the
Palestinians create the security and economic opportunity that
progress requires.

Next is hard work to make real history. For that, the
friends of peace need our constant and active support. Let's help
them stay focused on the promise of lasting peace. It is a positive
vision put forward by Arab nations in Beirut, three years ago-and
one to which we remain committed. A sovereign , viable Palestinian
state-one that gives its people the dignity of freedom, and provides
a future of hope. Security guarantees for Israel, based on regional
acceptance and peace, from sea to sea- from Morocco's Atlantic
coast, to the United Arab Emirates' Gulf waters. And a process that
can bring comprehensive reconciliation- one that leads to a
comprehensive settlement that addressed the Syrian and Lebanese
tracks.
 
King's Address at Georgetown University....5th LD
Other critical issues, too, need our united support. In
Iraq, the difficult work of reconstruction continues. Iraqis need
our help as they build security, establish effective and inclusive
institutions, and rebuild their historic country. In Lebanon, the
international community must support a peaceful, democratic future.
Globally, we must work</SPAN> together against terror and to bridge
economic and cultural divides.

Education is key. More than ever, people and nations need
knowledge- of our common bonds, of history's shift of humanity's
mistakes and successes. Georgetown University can take pride in its
important role. I was privileged to be here in 1999, for the
dedication of the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. It is only
one of the many ways that this university contributes to cooperation
and understanding. Let us silence that dialogue. In the days and
years ahead, I urge you to keep your doors open to the young people
of my region.

My friends, our nations and futures are inseparably linked.
Creative thinkers throughout our societies have the power to
transform lives around the globe. It is up to us to open minds and
lives to the promise that our century offers. Together-in the
classroom, in the workplace and in the halls of government-we can
make the promise real.



End.
Wardat/ Petra
 
King Receives President of the World Bank</FONT></STRONG>


Pet0020 4 0301


King Receives President of the World Bank
Washington, March 21 (Petra)--His Majesty King Abdullah II
received in Washington President of the World Bank James Wolfensohn
during which he reviewed with him scopes of cooperation between
Jordan and the WB, particularly in the economic and tourism fields.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister for Prime
Ministry Affairs and Government Performance Dr. Marwan Muasher said
in a statement to Jordan News Agency that the US administration,
Congress, civil society and active groups in the fields of human
rights and public freedoms focused during the visit of His
Majesty King Abdullah to the United States, on issues related to
reform and freedoms in the region.
"His Majesty explained the reform approach adopted by Jordan
under the leadership of His Majesty at this stage, particularly the
strategy that will be crystallized for Jordan for the next ten
years," he added. "The King affirmed that what characterizes this
strategy is the fact that is covers all political, economic and
social issues".
The resulting strategy, Muasher added, will by binding for the
consecutive governments, for it is apriority for the Jordanian
society.



link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24471000.htm

 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom