Jordanian minister says no Palestinian solution at Amman's expense

Foreign Minister Salah-al-Din al-Bashir has reiterated Jordan's permanent position on the pivotal nature of the Palestinian cause as a starting point to resolve all disputes in the region. In an exclusive interview with Al-Dustur, Al-Bashir said that Jordan is closely watching peace talks among the various sides without direct intervention. He said that Jordan is interested in promoting the Jordanian interests in any agreement that the Israeli and the Palestinian sides might reach, noting that Jordan possesses the means to enable it to ensure fulfilling these desires.
Al-Bashir said that the talk about a final solution at Jordan's expense is not worth consideration for single moment because Jordan has numerous factors that would deter any ideas in this direction, adding that the Jordanian state is strong and firm and it has a legitimate and historical leadership that won the respect of the world over these past decades. Al-Bashir said that the improvement in Jordanian-Iraqi relations was not the result of Jordan responding to specific conditions, affirming that the decision to send back the Jordanian ambassador to Baghdad had been made long ago and Jordan had been waiting for the improvement of the security conditions there. He said that the Arab surroundings are the natural environment for Iraq, enabling it to confront all challenges.
Al-Bashir stressed the pivotal role of Jordan in bringing about the successful conclusion of the Doha Agreement among the Lebanese parties, pointing out that the delay in forming the Lebanese government is natural and does not need a fresh intervention from the Arab committee that sponsored the Doha Agreement. Al-Bashir also spoke about the Jordanian ambassadors' conference this summer as a practical step aimed at developing the work of the Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad, and specifying their priorities during the upcoming phase.
The following is the text of the interview:
Regional Conditions
[Maharimah] To begin with, let us consider the political conditions in the region in general.
[Al-Bashir] Discussing the political conditions in the region always leads us to the Palestinian cause, because it is the first Arab cause and the core of the struggle in the region. We continue to believe that solving this problem constitutes the basis for resolving the region's problems in general.
In this regard, Jordan's position is principled and is based on firm axioms that take into consideration the supreme interests of the Jordanian state and the interests of the Palestinian brothers in establishing their independent, viable, and contiguous state. Without fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, the region will not have peace or stability.
In this regard, Jordan does not seek roles to play but is endeavouring to realize legitimate aims represented basically in protecting the state against any challenges and enabling it to negotiate all turning points. Furthermore, we have our political constants towards the Palestinian cause and our adherence to the principles and terms of reference of the peace process, based on Arab and international legitimacies. We are of the view that direct negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides must lead to the eventual conclusion of establishing the Palestinian state by the side of the state of Israel - principles that were stressed by all international legitimacy resolutions, agreed by the international community, approved by the Annapolis summit, and urged by the Arab Peace Initiative, which is backed by the Organization of Islamic Conference.
A peaceful solution based on the establishment of two states represents an international goal that will be realized sooner of later. This is not one of our options or an intellectual luxury but an inevitable requirement. Therefore, our efforts are pooled to back the steadfastness of our brothers in Palestine and the Palestinian National Authority and their national unity to enable the Palestinian leadership to bypass all obstacles that are facing it in its endeavours to realize the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations through intensive diplomatic efforts on the international and regional levels.
The continuous efforts on the international level to end the Israeli occupation and establish the Palestinian state is a necessary and important aim that cannot be ignored. Jordan played a basic role in restoring the Palestinian cause to the forefront of the priorities on the agenda of the United States, which will remain the basic power that can exercise pressure on Israel and which bears major responsibility in this regard.
As for the two-state solution, it will realize the Jordanian, Palestinian, and Arab interests and will lead to realizing stability in the region. The international community must push this plan forward and do its duties and responsibilities towards the region, especially the United States, which has an important influence in removing contradictions and bringing viewpoints closer between the Palestinian and Israelis sides. We call on Israel to cooperate with all sides and with all efforts to promote peace by stopping the settlement activities, working to improve the living conditions of the Palestinian people, alleviating their human suffering, and stopping acts that can impede the peace process and influence the final status negotiations.
The Final Solution
[Maharimah] Jordan is interested in a number of final status issues that affect its national rights, such as the issues of the refugees, borders, and Jerusalem. How do we deal with this situation?
[Al-Bashir] Jordan provides all forms of support and assistance to the Palestinian brothers. It also supports the Palestinian negotiator without direct intervention in the negotiations with the Israeli side. It is not a party to these negotiations, but is watching closely what is happening and what is being reached. There is constant coordination with the Palestinian brothers in this regard. We are interested in the final status issues such as Jerusalem, the refugees, and the borders. We are also eager to make sure that there will be no solution that prejudices our national interests, and we are perfectly aware of this matter. We have enough tools to ensure that our interests are not jeopardized.
[Maharimah] There is a view that we hear from time to time which says that Jordan will have to bear the burden of part of the consequences of the final solution. Indeed, some people claim that the current Jordanian economic conditions constitute an instrument of pressure to accept a particular solution that could result in the establishment of a confederation with an expected Palestinian entity.
[Al-Bashir] Let us agree first that the international economy is going through difficult circumstances in general, and that the high oil prices, the fall in the exchange rate of some currencies and the rise of others, in addition to the rocketing prices that are devastating the entire world do not constitute a Jordanian case. Indeed, Jordan has so far succeeded in containing the repercussions of international economic conditions in a better way than many other countries. The rates of economic growth prove this. If we agree on this, then we can rule out the thesis of economic pressure.
There are no solutions on the table at the expense of Jordan. We do not accept such proposals. We are aware of the risks and are prepared for all eventualities. Moreover, we are protected against various possible scenarios and variables that can occur in the region.
In addition, everyone should realize that Jordan is a strong entity, able to defend its supreme interests in various ways. Jordan has a leadership that has the legitimacy of history, achievement, and vision. His majesty the king, may God protect him, has been very clear in this regard when he emphasized on many occasions that the top priority was to end the Israeli occupation and establish an independent and viable Palestinian state. We have faced numerous challenges in the darkest of circumstances and we were able to overcome them. There is no justification for concern or fear that the Jordanian entity might be harmed. We are achieving successes in various fields, and our entity is powerful and strong. We are also mindful of the various contingencies, and have the appropriate tools to respond to any transgression on our supreme national interests.
Faltering Peace Process
[Maharimah] What are the options for Jordan in light of the faltering peace process? What is the role of the Arab initiative under these circumstances and why is it not being highlighted as it used to be?
[Al-Bashir] Jordan is exerting significant efforts. It has employed all its regional and international connections in order to keep the Palestinian issue at the forefront, and to always reaffirm the central nature of this issue. A solution of this issue would necessarily lead to establishing security and stability in the region.
His majesty the king has succeeded, through his efforts, to push the peace partners - the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations - to increase their efforts aimed at finding a just solution in the Middle East. The proof is that the US Administration, which had raised the level of other priorities in the region on its agenda, has now returned and restored the peace process to the top of its priorities after his majesty's speech before a joint session of the US Congress two years ago, a speech that prompted the US Administration to demand a two-state solution and put pressure on Israel to return to the negotiating table.
In this regard, we stress the need for a unified Palestinian front behind the Palestinian leadership in the face of Israeli policies, emphasizing the Arab and Palestinian consensus on the option of peace based on a two-state solution. This would support the Palestinian leadership's status in the international arena and reinforce its ability to attract the support of the international community. This is necessary to confront the goals of those who see that their interests can be realized through the continuation of the conflict and though wasting opportunities at the expense of our interests and at the expense of the Palestinian cause.
On the other part of the question, I want to emphasize that the Arab peace initiative continues to be on the agendas of all international meetings concerning this issue. We always reaffirm that it is an Arab and Islamic offer sponsored by more than 55 countries, and that it represents a real opportunity to resolve the dispute in the region and move towards a comprehensive development of the region. Moreover, the Arab negotiators on the Syrian and Palestinian sides rely on this initiative to be a winning card in their hands, in order to convince the other side of accepting a just solution.
Foreign Policy
[Maharimah] There are advocates for changing the Jordanian foreign policy and heading towards more openness with various countries in the region, including Iran and Syria. Where do we stand in terms of our regional relations?
[Al-Bashir] Jordan's criteria in dealing with political affairs are its supreme national interests. We believe in certain principles and we strive to achieve our goals through the promotion and advocacy of these principles. In this context we are in agreement and harmony with some countries, but we do not recognize the existence of alliances and axes. Our hand is stretched out to everyone and we do not put restrictions on this openness with any country as long as this falls within our national and regional interests. Jordan also is continually assessing developments in the region, and, therefore, dealing with them to promote its supreme interests. Although the Jordanian foreign policy is based on fixed principles, it is not rigid but has enough flexibility and farsightedness to enable it to deal positively with regional and international developments so as to enhance Jordan's security and stability.
After the US war on Iraq, Jordan has seen signs of competition over sharing power over the region at the expense of some Arab countries. The trend of dividing the people of one country along sectarian and denominational lines has also emerged. By its principled position, Jordan bears in mind the interests of the country and the region and rejects these divisions. In accordance with these principles Jordan found itself in agreement with most of the Arab countries, especially Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Channels of dialogue are constantly open with all parties. The Jordanian policy is based on the confidence that the elements of closeness and solidarity among the Arab countries are more than the factors of discord and differences. We always seek to establish close bilateral relations with our Arab and regional environments. There is no better proof of this than the visit that his majesty the king paid to Syria last year, which led to an improvement in relations represented by the meeting of the joint higher committee and exchanging visits between many officials of the two countries. Our policy has always been one of unifying stances and establishing an Arab weight capable of confronting the pressures and threats that we are facing.
Iraq
[Maharimah] Has Jordan responded to the Iraqi preconditions - the return of the ambassador and of the Iraqi opposition and so on - to improve bilateral relations? How can Jordan strike a balance between its supreme interests and its adherence to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of Iraq, given the growing Iranian influence and the presence of the occupation forces and that quotas based on sectarian divisions there?
[Al-Bashir] To start with, I assure you that the main responsibility lies in providing an appropriate environment in Iraq through the involvement of all components of the Iraqi national fabric in the political process in order to form the basic foundation for the return of security and stability. We support the efforts of political reconciliation leading to involving everyone in the political process in Iraq, and we reject all forms of terrorist acts. We also believe that the rapprochement between Iraq and its Arab surroundings represents the natural course that this sisterly country should follow. We are eager to secure Iraqi security and unity and enhance its sovereignty over all its territory. Jordan, led by its Hashimite leadership, stands at an equal distances from the various parts in the Iraqi people's spectrum. Its only interest and eagerness is to see a stable and unified Iraq in which all the Iraqis enjoy security and prosperity.
Developments in the Iraqi situation causes concern to the world. It has cast a shadow on the region, especially Jordan. Jordan plays a host to a large number of Iraqi brothers. There number has reached more than 500,000 who are being treated as Jordanians without any discrimination. They are sharing the Jordanian infrastructure services, such as schools, water, and healthcare with their Jordanian brothers in the absence of adequate support from the international community. This has been a heavy burden on our infrastructure, impacting the living conditions of the Jordanian citizens. Jordan hopes that there will be stability in Iraq and that the security and the political conditions will improve, enabling the Iraqi brothers to return to their homeland with dignity.
The improvement of our relations with Iraq was not the result of any conditions imposed by any side. The return of the Jordanian ambassador to Baghdad is associated with Jordan's responsibility towards this brotherly country, and Jordan's desire to extend bridges of cooperation with it so that it might restore its natural role within its Arab surroundings. This decision also followed tangible improvement in the political and security conditions recently.
Doha Agreement
[Maharimah] The Doha Agreement among the Lebanese parties is facing the obstacle of forming a Lebanese government. What is the position of the Arab committee, which oversaw the signing of the agreement?
[Al-Bashir] First I want to point out that the Jordanian position was on the side of the legitimacy and the constitutional institutions in the Lebanese state. Jordan's role of reaching a solution satisfactory to all parties concerned in Lebanon was clear and evident in both the Arab League and through the eight-party ministerial committee, which was formed and which met with Lebanese factions Beirut. This committee then went to Doha for dialogue and then an agreement was reached. Our role was active, not only in the dialogue between the parties concerned, but in the formulation of the agreement's document. The Jordanian delegation participated in dialogues among Lebanese parties. This agreement has succeeded in filling the constitutional vacuum in Lebanon, contributing to electing a head of state who will be responsible for leading the constitutional and political process in Lebanon.
Things in Lebanon have started to see marked improvement, and we hope that the Lebanese will soon see the new government, with whose formation Prime Minister Fu'ad Siniora has been entrusted. However, the Arab committee does not interfere in the distribution of ministerial portfolio because this is the business of the Lebanese parties. Jordan will not spare any effort and will provide all kinds of support in order to serve security and stability in Lebanon.
Jordanian Diplomatic Missions
[Maharimah] How would you rate the work of the Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad, and what are the most prominent features of the reform plan that you have been implementing since you took the Foreign Ministry portfolio?
[Al-Bashir] We have 51 diplomatic missions - embassies and consulates - in various countries around the world. We staff these missions with cadres whom we always try to qualify and train on various issues and tasks that are within the duties of these missions. In our programmes, we take care to train our diplomats to confront trade and economic challenges that Jordan usually faces exactly as we train them to confront political challenges. All aspects must be taken into account in the work of our missions abroad. These matters will be a major topic during the Jordanian ambassadors conference, which will reconvene this summer and during which the working programmes of these embassies will be specified for next year.
Source: Al-Dustur, Amman, in Arabic 10 Jul 08