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

[elizahawthorne]

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​

 

[Monalisa]

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.

Mon Mar 21, 1:05 PM ET
Iraqi Americans protest Jordan's King Abdullah who was receiving an honorary doctorate of humane letters across from Georgetown University Monday, March 21, 2005 in Washington. The protesters, who held up a sign equating Abdullah with wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi whose al-Qaida group is operating in Iraq (news - web sites). The demonstrators said that King Hussein freed al-Zarqawi from prison and that Jordan is a breeding ground for terrorists operating in Iraq. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)



http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/050321/480/dccd10503211802&e=18

 

[monamona]

Mon Mar 21, 1:05 PM ET
Iraqi Americans protest Jordan's King Abdullah who was receiving an honorary doctorate of humane letters across from Georgetown University Monday, March 21, 2005 in Washington. The protesters, who held up a sign equating Abdullah with wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi whose al-Qaida group is operating in Iraq (news - web sites). The demonstrators said that King Hussein freed al-Zarqawi from prison and that Jordan is a breeding ground for terrorists operating in Iraq. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/050321/480/dccd10503211802&e=18

Thanks Monalisa for the link showing the other side of the story...

 

[elizahawthorne]

King meets heads of multinational firms in the U.S.</STRONG></FONT>

​

Pet1113 4 0868


King meets heads of multinational firms in the U.S.
Washington/ March 22/ (Petra)-- His Majesty King
Abdullah II said the economic reform plans Jordan carried over the
past few years have contributed to a positive growth rate reaching
7.5 of GDP during 2004.
During a meeting with board chairmen of multinational
firms operating in the United States, King Abdullah said Jordan has
moved towards openness to major economic blocs and concluded several
vital agreements particularly with the U.S. and the EU. It has also
expanded its qualified industrial zones.
There were big opportunities for foreign investors to join
in infrastructure projects made available by the privatization
program and to benefit the U.S.-oriented industrial exports under
the free trade agreement between Jordan and the United States, King
Abdullah said.
Jordan's strategic location has qualified it to serve as a
gateway to the Middle East region particularly to the neighboring
markets which adds more opportunities to investment companies,
the King added.
King Abdullah noted the reform plans being carried out
in educational, legislative, judicial and administrative sectors
together with public sector restructuring process aimed to increase
productivity depending on knowledge-based economy.
Several countries in the region have copied Jordan's
model of investment in education, King Abdullah said noting that
schools and universities in Jordan have been connected with a highly
developed information network within a true partnership between the
public and the private sectors with the aim of developing human
resources.
King Abdullah called heads of companies to attend the World
Economic Forum due to be held at the Dead Sea resort next May.
Addressing the gathering of economic and business leaders was
Industry and Trade Minister Ahmed Hindawi, who outlined major
incentives that, together with the investment-supporting factors,
have created the most favorable investment climate in the Kingdom.
High among investment privileges in the kingdom are the
updated legislation, economic stability, qualified human resources,
privatization programs, a developed banking system, freedom of
ownership for foreign investors and protection of intellectual
property rights, Hindawi said.
Jordan's total exports during 2004 rose by 28.2 percent
making $4 billion over quarter of which, $1.1 billion going to the
U.S. market under the free trade agreement between the two
countries, he added.
He said such positive economic indicators helped increase
economic growth rate, expected to amount to 8 percent of GDP by
the end of this year. Inflation rate went down to 2 percent last
year, he added.
He said the IT sector is a promising one in Jordan. This
sector, which relies on highly qualified Jordanian cadres and a
highly developed telecommunication network, is a government
priorities with the aim of operating the e-government
and establishing an advanced environment of business and
education, Hindawi said.
According the World Competitiveness 2003-2004 report,
Jordan IT sector ranked 11 amongst 102 countries surveyed by
the report, Hindawi said.
Finance Minister Mohammad Abu Hammur outlined sectors
being privatized to encourage partnership between the public
and the private sector in vital and strategic projects.
Injadat/ Petra


link:

http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24490100.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

photo from King's meetings with heads of multinational firms in US

photo 1:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/2388I.htm

photo 2:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/2389I.htm

photo 3:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/2390I.htm

 

[elizahawthorne]

King Meets US Arab Islamic Organizations representatives</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1136 4 0457


King Meets US Arab Islamic Organizations representatives
Washington/March 22(Petra)-- His Majesty King Abdullah on
Tuesday in Washington reviewed with representatives of Arab Islamic
organizations the latest developments in the Middle East and
Jordan's stands to bring peace and stability to the region.
His Majesty the King hailed the important role of these
organizations to enhance dialogue, understanding and coexistence
among followers of different religions and give a clear image of
Arab and Muslims to the American society.
King Abdullah stressed that Amman Message that presents
instructions of Islam, which reject extremism and terrorism
and highlight the humanitarian values of Islam that comply with
instructions of other religions.
"It's necessary to refute all allegations that
associate Islam with terrorism", the King stressed adding that
Jordan has always condemned all forms of terrorism.
"Jordan is forging a head with reformative programmes in
various fields to enhance democracy, decentralization and involve
public bases in the decision-making process', King Abdullah
indicated.
"Reforms in the region need collective efforts to combat
poverty, unemployment and support socio-economic projects", King
affirmed.
In other meeting with the US Jewish Organizations
representatives King Abdullah had reviewed the latest developments
in the region, getting the peace process back on track and reforms
and democracy in the region.
Attending the two meetings were King's Personal Envoy/
King's Private Advisor, Minister of Royal Court Minister Samir
Rafai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Prime
Ministry Affairs and Government Marwan Muasher and Jordan's
Ambassador to Washington Karim Kawar.


link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24490300.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King Meets US Arab Islamic Organizations representatives...1st LD</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1142 4 0197


King Meets US Arab Islamic Organizations representatives...1st LD
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Prime
Ministry Affairs and Government Marwan Muasher reviewed
the government reforms plan for the upcoming ten years in launching
a national agenda and dividing the Kingdom into three regions. the
national agenda regulates the country's priorities linking it with
national programmes. Decentralization will be activated in the
region's governance through local governance councils to give the
national parliament a chance its legislation duty.

Chairman of American Islamic relation council Nahid Awad
praised King Abdullah II's efforts to bring peace and regain
stability to the Middle East. He also noted to the King's role in
highlighting the true image of modern Islam.

End

Link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24491400.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

photos for "King Meets US Arab Islamic Organizations representatives"

photo 1:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/2391I.htm

photo 2:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/2392I.htm

photo 3:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/2393I.htm

 

[elizahawthorne]

King meets U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1148 4 0139


King meets U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy
Washington/March 22(Petra)-- His Majesty King Abdullah II
met on Tuesday in Washington with Senator Edward Kennedy.
The two sides reviewed the latest development in the Middle
East and exerted efforts to push the peace process forward and
initiatives that aim to bring peace and stability to the region.
The talks also touched upon bilateral relations and means of

enhancing them.
Attending the meeting were Royal Court Minister Samir
Rafai, and Jordan's Ambassador to Washington Karim Kawar.


Link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24491500.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King meets head of Guardian Foundation & Deputy Chairman of Arab-American Chamber of Commerce in Detroit</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1154 4 0113


King meets head of Guardian Foundation & Deputy Chairman of Arab-American
Chamber of Commerce in Detroit
Washington/March 22(Petra)-- His Majesty King Abdullah II
met on Tuesday in Washington with head of Guardian Foundation Russl
Obeid and Deputy Chairman of Arab-American Chamber of Commerce in
Detroit Nasser Bydoun.
Talks focused on the possibility of establishing glass
factory in the Kingdom on the light of incentive privilege that
kingdom extends to the investors such as tax exemption and
customs duty.

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24491600.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1238 4 0222


King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers
Algiers/ March 22/ (Petra)-- His Majesty King Abdullah II
has said the roadmap peace plan is the only available means to
settle the Palestinian issue which means the two concerned parties
should abide by this map and speed up measures to implement its
provisions so that eventually a viable independent Palestinian state
can be established on the Palestinian soil.
In his address to the Arab summit in Algiers, King Abdullah
stressed the necessity to implement immediately what has been agreed
upon at Sharm Sheikh summit and affirmed the need for effective
participation of the quartet committee and the U.S. in this regard.
King Abdullah also urged the world community to offer
political, economic and financial support to the Palestinian
National Authority to help it be up to its responsibilities.
More...

Link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24491700.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers...1st LD</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1257 4 0338


King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers...1st LD
The King, who reiterated Jordan's readiness to offer all
forms of support to Palestinian brothers, underlined the necessity
for an inclusive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict on the
basis of the UN relevant resolutions, Madrid terms of reference, and
the Arab peace initiative, which should be represented to the world
in its true image as it has been wanted by Saudi Crown Prince
Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz.
Based on this the Syrian and Lebanese peace tracks should be
revived to go in parallel line with the Palestinian track, the
King added.
On the Iraqi issue, King Abdullah welcomed elections
held in this country as a major step necessary for the political
process to go ahead.
The large scale public participation in the elections was a
positive evidence on the Iraqis' willingness and readiness to
rebuild their country and determine their future, said the King who
affirmed Jordan's respect of Iraq's sovereignty, independence and
unity.
The formation of a legitimate Iraqi government with
grassroots bases inclusive of all Iraqi sects is the guarantee to
continue the democratic process and preserve the rights of
minorities, said the King urging the world community to
offer every possible assistance to Iraq rebuilding
programs.
More...

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24491900.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers...2nd LD</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1276 4 0199


King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers...2nd LD
Referring to world campaign in fighting terror, King Abdullah
reaffirmed Jordan's condemnation to all form of terrorism and
violence.
" We condemn all forms of violence and terrorism facing our
innocent people in Hillah or any other area in Iraq or else where
in the world," King Abdullah said.
"Terrorism is world phenomena that is not connected with
any specific culture or religion rather than the other and any
attempt to associate Islam with terror is rejected," the King
added noting that the best response to such attempt s was the
issuance of "Amman Message", which presents Islam on its true
and bright image based on values of tolerance and dialogue and the
rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.
More...

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24492000.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers...3rd LD</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet1282 4 0262


King's address at Arab Summit in Algiers...3rd LD
On reform in the Middle East, King Abdullah said the need
for reform and modernization has become a demand that can not be
delayed or postponed.
" If some people see that reform is an agenda dictated
from outside, then its our duty towards our peoples to take the lead
and start the process of reform and modernization being a request
that fulfills aspirations of our peoples for progress," King
Abdullah said.
He added Jordan has already embarked on a national plan of
reform and comprehensive development that includes political,
economic, social and administrative spheres.
In compliance with this move we have drawn up a plan
designed to enhance public participation in the process of decision
making through dividing the Kingdom into a number of
development regions, each run by a directly elected council. We have
also formed a specialized team to draw up a national agenda
inclusive of all fields of development and modernization for the
coming ten years.
End

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/24492200.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King meets head of Guardian Foundation & Deputy Chairman of Arab-American Chamber of Commerce in Detroit

photo:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/22/2401I.htm

 

[Monalisa]

Thanks Monalisa for the link showing the other side of the story...

you are welcome monamona.


Somebody knows why king abdallah doesn't attend the arab summit in algiers where was adopted initiative for peace with Israel???


Interesting that he was awarded for his effort for peace but didn't attend an important summit made for peace with Israel!!!


Isn't Jordan involved especially in this issue with palestine and Israel?


I know,some of you would say because he's busy otherwise in USA promoting for Jordan,but the calendar of this summit was knowen from a long time ago,and he could manage his diary for that !

 

[elizahawthorne]

Monalisa, if you look at posts 133-136 you will see I have posted the King's address at the Arab Summit in Algiers--I assume that means he was there, but I could be wrong

 

[Monalisa]

Monalisa, if you look at posts 133-136 you will see I have posted the King's address at the Arab Summit in Algiers--I assume that means he was there, but I could be wrong

This adress was done by the jordanian foreign minister Hani Mulki,and you can see the picture of arab leaders who attend the summit,there's not king abdallah!

 

[elizahawthorne]

Ah, so he sent the PM in his place, it seems strange to me that he wouldn't attend despite knowing about it since last year--but I think you may be right, Monalisa, as you said "Actually the real reason which made him not to attend this summit is the tautness with some arab leaders and king abbdallh about the iraqi and the palestinian issues"

-Eliza

PS: thanks for the input and for correcting me, I just assumed that since Petra said it was the King's address that he was there--why would they call it the King's address if the PM was the one who actually addressed the summit?

 

[papillon]

This what i said,he's "promoting" for jordan in USA!


But the calendar of this summit was knowen from the last summit in Tunis in April2004,so much before 5months ago!

Actually the real reason which made him not to attend this summit is the tautness with some arab leaders and king abbdallh about the iraqi and the palestinian issues

He's boycotting because the other Arab leaders quickly and overwhelming rejected his peace plan. (for his pouting, not for the rejection)

Excerpt from the International Herald Tribune, March 22, 2005:

Jordan’s King Abdullah II shook up the preparations for the summit with his peace initiative — and now that it was rejected, he is not attending. Jordan had argued that if Arab nations go ahead with normalization, it would prompt Israel to make major peace concessions.

 

[papillon]

I just assumed that since Petra said it was the King's address that he was there--why would they call it the King's address if the PM was the one who actually addressed the summit?

Eliza, there is no free press or speech in Jordan. Petra is state controlled, so nothing is written in it that doesn't suit KA. One almost needs to be a PR professional and an expert on Jordanian culture to know how to read anything written by Petra or that appears in The Jordan Times. They are very crafty with words and images. Although they cleverly called it the King's address, they neglected to mention it wouldn't be given by the King. So they are technically correct, but very misleading.

 

[elizahawthorne]

Eliza, there is no free press or speech in Jordan. Petra is state controlled, so nothing is written in it that doesn't suit KA. One almost needs to be a PR professional and an expert on Jordanian culture to know how to read anything written by Petra or that appears in The Jordan Times. They are very crafty with words and images. Although they cleverly called it the King's address, they neglected to mention it wouldn't be given by the King. So they are technically correct, but very misleading.

Ah! I see, very very sneaky, though I was under the impression that KA was for freedom of the press

 

[papillon]

Ah! I see, very very sneaky, though I was under the impression that KA was for freedom of the press

That's another thing you have to watch out for. He says one thing and does another. This is a perfect example. But he does it routinely, as a matter of course. He and QR are also for women's rights, but "honor" killings are scarcely punished in Jordan. There are lots of inconsistencies like this. But, the hopeful thing is, some journalists outside Jordan are beginning to take note and report on this.

 

[elizahawthorne]

That's another thing you have to watch out for. He says one thing and does another. This is a perfect example. But he does it routinely, as a matter of course. He and QR are also for women's rights, but "honor" killings are scarcely punished in Jordan. There are lots of inconsistencies like this. But, the hopeful thing is, some journalists outside Jordan are beginning to take note and report on this.

huh, weird...okay, thanks for the info

-Eliza

 

[elizahawthorne]

New thing about the King's absentee address at the Arab Summit in Algiers

King's Address at Arab Summit in Algiers</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet0098 4 0466


King's Address at Arab Summit in Algiers
Algiers, March 23 (Petra)--His Majesty King Abdullah II said
that the roadmap peace plan is the only available means to settle
the Palestinian issue which means the two concerned parties should
abide by this map and speed up measures to implement its provisions
so that eventually a viable independent Palestinian state can be
established on the Palestinian soil.
In an adders to the Arab summit in Algiers, King Abdullah
stressed the necessity to implement immediately what has been agreed
upon at Sharm Sheikh summit and affirmed the need for effective
participation of the quartet committee and the U.S. in this regard.
Following is the full text of the King's Speech:-


Your Majesties, Presidents and princes of Arab Countries, peace
be upon You:
The agenda of this summit is full of many issues and great
challenges that face our nation at this critical stage that our
nation is passing through and which threaten security and stability
in this region. We, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan act in our
vision on these issues and challenges and means of overcoming them,
upon our keenness to perform our duties towards our nation and
its just causes.
Jordan views the roadmap peace plan as the means available to
settle the Palestinian issue and affirms the importance of the
commitment of both parties to this map and its implementation
leading to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state on the
Palestinian national soil.
It also affirms the importance of immediate and full
implementation of what had been agreed upon during the recent Sharm
Al Sheikh summit. Here, we affirm the importance of the
participation of the International Quartet and efforts of the
United States in this regard.





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

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/23/24494700.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King............................ 1st Ld</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet0129 4 0270


King............................ 1st Ld
Due to our awareness of the extent o challenges that face the
Palestinian authority in this regard, we call upon the international
community to provide political, economic and financial support to
this authority to enable it to shoulder its responsibilities in
constructing the state's institutions and implementing reforms and
change. Here, the London Conference was a positive step in this
regard.
We in Jordan are keen to continue providing all forms of
support to our Palestinian brethren, particularly in the reform
process, establishing the state's institutions and training cadres.
Here, I would like to affirm the importance of solving the
Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of international legitimacy, UN
resolutions, the Madrid Conference and the Arab initiative that
should be presented to the world in its genuine form as Prince
Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz wanted. Therefore, it is necessary to revive
the Syrian and Lebanese tracks in parallel with the Palestinian
track.


//Petra// more.....

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/23/24495600.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King's Address At Arab Summit...2nd LD</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet0149 4 0333


King's Address At Arab Summit...2nd LD
Here we remind that the Arab Nation was committed to all the UN
Security Council resolutions and is calling for implementing all
these resolutions, at the top of which resolution 242 away from
selectivity or focus on the Council's last resolutions excluding
others.

As for Iraq, Jordan affirms the importance of respecting Iraq's
sovereignty, independence and the unity of its lands. We welcome the
Iraqi elections as an important and necessary step for the political

march in Iraq and we consider the large scale public participation as

a positive evidence on the Iraqis willingness and readiness to
rebuild their country and determine their future.

Jordan considers the formation of a legitimate Iraqi government with
grassroots bases inclusive of all Iraqi sects a guarantee to continue

the democratic process and preserve the rights of minorities. Jordan
fully supports such a government committed to maintaining the Arab
support for Iraq, its unity, independence and national unity and
calls all the countries and concerned parties especially the United
Nations and the European Union to provide all possible assistance
for rebuilding Iraq politically and economically away from any
foreign political interference in the internal political process in
Iraq.

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

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/23/24494800.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King's Address.......3rd LD</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet0168 4 0313


King's Address.......3rd LD
Jordan will continue to support the Iraqi efforts to improve the
security and rebuilding through training the Iraqi police
and army in addition to civil workers to enable Iraq to return to
its natural position in the region.

We condemn all forms of violence and terrorism facing our
innocent people in Hallah or elsewhere in Iraq or the world .
Terrorism is an international phenomena that is not connected
to any specific culture or religion rather than the other and any
attempt to associate Islam with terror is rejected.

In order to respond to such efforts, Jordan has issued "Amman
Message" which presents Islam on its true and bright image based on
values of tolerance and dialogue and the rejection of all forms of
violence and terrorism.

I appreciate the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in fighting
terrorism and announce Jordan's support to the Saudi brothers.

We, while calling for more international and regional cooperation to
fight this phenomena, remind that military methods alone are not
enough to stand in the face of this great danger and that the
economic and social factors which form the suitable environment for
the spread of terrorism must be dealt with.

//Petra//...more

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/23/24495800.htm​

 

[elizahawthorne]

King.....................4th Ld</FONT></STRONG>

​

Pet0176 4 0490


King.....................4th Ld
Kings, Presidents and Princes:
There is an urgent need for reform, development and
modernization, and this cannot be delayed or postponed. If some
views this issue as an agenda that is imposed on us from outside,
then we should lead the march of reform and modernization, for it is
the right of our people and because it is a request that fulfils
the aspirations of our peoples in progress and in keeping pace with
the world around us. Jordan has started for years to implement its
national plan for reform and comprehensive development in the
political, economic, social and administrative fields. In line with
this approach, we set up a plan that aims at increasing peoples'
participation in decision making through dividing the Kingdom into
a number of regions with its affairs administered by local councils
that are directly elected by citizens of these regions.
For this purpose, we formed a specialized team to set up
comprehensive national agenda for the development and modernization
process in all fields for the next ten years.
Jordan welcomes partnership with the eight countries and affirms
the importance of their support to reform efforts, not only in
Jordan, but also in other Arab countries. We in Jordan support the
Tunis Declaration for Development and Modernization in the Arab
World, and we also approved a joint plan with the European Union
that provides Jordan with the support it needs to implement the
reform and development program.
Your Majesties, Presidents and Princes I would like at the end
to extend my thanks and appreciation for His Excellency President
Abdul Aziz Botafliqah and to the Algerian people for their kind
hospitality and good preparations for this summit. I also thank the
Secretary General of the Arab League and its cadres for their
efforts to ensure the success of this summit.



//Petra// end.

link:
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/Mar/23/24496900.htm​

 

[shelley]

Another point re the king's non presence at the summit; having put the cat among the pigeons with this proposal, whoever was there would have to face a barrage of questioning, press and otherwise, in Arabic. Although the king has made great strides in his Arabic competence over the past few years, he would have been out of his depth here. Much better to leave it to others and do what he is good at, which is talking to US officials and CEO's.