King of Jordan backs "new, democratic Iraq"

The Iraqi Prime Minister visits Amman, meets religious leaders and pledges to safeguard minority rights.

Amman (AsiaNews) – King Abdallah II of Jordan has expressed his country's full support for Iraq after the positive outcome of the referendum on the new Iraqi constitution, an important step ahead for the re-establishment of peace and the re-birth of a new, more democratic Iraq. The king said this while meeting the Iraqi Prime Minister, Ibrahim El Jaafari, who has embarked on an official visit in Jordan, following an invitation from his Jordanian counterpart Adnan Badran.

Abdallah II issued a strong appeal to all sectors of Iraqi society to contribute to making the reconstruction project a success. He reiterated the importance granted by the Hashemite Kingdom to full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq. The Hashemite king insisted on the need to guarantee these principles which, he said, constituted a key part of Jordan's interests. He also renewed the complete availability of his people to contribute in restoring to Iraq its deserved position in the international community. Abdallah II denounced all terrorist activities which aimed to destroy peace and stability, so strongly desired by the people.

The "positive role played by Jordan, which pushed for the unification of all international and regional forces to contribute to the construction of Iraq" was underlined by El Jaafari, who also expressed the gratitude of his people towards the king and the people of the Hashemite kingdom.

El Jaafari, who reiterated the will of the Baghdad government to maintain and strengthen links with Jordan, also spoke of his administration's desire to guarantee all citizens freedom of worship "in respect of minorities". Speaking during a meeting with religious leaders, Muslims and Christians, he stressed the "positive role plated by these communities" in restoring to Iraq its true identity as a meeting place of dialogue and forgiveness.

Jordan's Prime Minister Adnan Badran, said Jordan and Iraq were a "strategical bridge" for the progress of both countries. He emphasised the need of launching projects in all sectors, especially in the war on terrorism and religious fundamentalism and for the renewal of peoples who were open, cultured, peaceful and working to build peace. The Jordanian Prime Minister also expressed hope of further collaboration in the field of human rights and especially in women's rights, to "assure to each person his/her deserved place in society".

• jordan
• iraq
• king
• abdallah
• referendum
• constitution
• democracy
• peace
• minorities
• religious