YouSaid · the spoken record

Marwan MUASHER

lines on the record: 66
first: 2002-09-24
most recent: 2004-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I would also like to wish this session of the General Assembly every success as I pray to almighty God to guide us to better serve our people and to live up to the responsibilities entrusted to us.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The contribution by Security Council members of human resources to peacekeeping field operations, not just of financial and equipment inputs, is an essential requirement for the success of those operations. This is indeed a primary responsibility that must be met by members of the Security Council, especially the permanent ones. In addition, we think that effective operations require the development of a flexible mechanism that allows the adoption of clear resolutions by the Council, in close coordination with troop-contributing countries that are not members of the Council, as well as functioning in a transparent framework. In closing, let me once again thank you, Sir.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“15 Regarding reform of the Security Council, I would be remiss if I failed to commend the Open- ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters related to the Security Council. Jordan supports the principle of increasing membership in both permanent and rotating seats in order to make the Council more representative of the United Nations membership. In this regard, Jordan is of the view that the responsibilities of Council members should be reconsidered in order to ensure that all members have the capacity and political will to contribute effectively to peacekeeping operations by way of meeting their obligations under the Charter.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We share the vision, laid out by the Secretary- General in his reports to the General Assembly, that reform is a continuous, comprehensive and dynamic process that must include all political, economic, administrative and financial activities of the United Nations. We also believe that, if reform is to succeed, genuine partnership between Member States represented by the regional groups and the Secretariat of the United Nations is required. In this regard, we believe that the thrust of reform should be an upgrading of efficiency and not a reduction in the expenditures or in the budget of the Organization. Therefore, a set of benchmarks must be developed to assess performance. In the meantime, there should be no room for the random setting of agenda priorities or for selectivity in implementing reform.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In the same vein, combating global terrorism ought not be a tool for discrimination against the followers of any creed or a cover for assault against their religious beliefs. Finally, the “no justification for terror” policy should not lead to disregard for its underlying causes. Rather, an effective battle against terrorism would require global cooperation in addressing its root causes and the genesis of the phenomenon. I am pleased to announce that the Government of Jordan has welcomed the formation of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change to examine the modalities for improving the performance of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security and its reform in general. We support the exercise undertaken by the Panel and look forward to receiving its recommendations at the end of the year.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In our view, a meaningful and effective global campaign against terrorism requires consensus on the following principles: Respect for the provisions of the Charter and the rules of international law, and non- transgression against the sovereignty of States; striking a balance between the counter-terrorism measures taken by States and the principles of human rights, public freedoms and non-abuse of the state of emergency to justify counter-terrorism measures; providing a clear and specific legal definition of “terrorism” as well as of the concept of “terrorist groups” that would not allow any legal justification for the commission of terrorist acts. By the same token, such definitions should not compromise the rights envisioned in the Charter and in the provisions of international humanitarian law, such as the right to self-determination.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We also condemn all acts of terror, including those gruesome and blind acts perpetrated in Madrid and Beslan, which require our firm collective stand in combating them. The events of 11 September 2001 marked a new era of immense challenge to the international community in terms of dealing with the repercussions and implications of such events. Fighting international terrorism entails taking measures that affect international relations and the principles that have guided States since the creation of the United Nations and the adoption of its Charter.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In the meantime, Jordan strongly condemns violence, the killing of civilians and beheadings in Iraq. We remain committed to helping our Iraqi brothers in the training of Iraqi police and army units in order to enable them to improve their capacity to restore control over the security situation, as well as through the provision of necessary humanitarian assistance. It is indeed regrettable that there is still a tiny minority representing extremist movements and organizations that seek political power by means of intimidation and violence under the false pretext of Islamic action. Such groups exploit Islam as a means of achieving political or even personal gain by resorting to violence and terrorism and thus, unfortunately, tarnishing the image of Islam, a faith of moderation and tolerance.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Despite overwhelming odds and the current instability, it is our hope that elections for the transitional national assembly and the formation of a transitional Government will be completed by the end of January 2005. Jordan calls upon all States to provide every possible assistance towards the achievement of those goals. The United Nations obviously has a pivotal role to play in ensuring a successful outcome. In that regard, we welcome the appointment by the Secretary-General of his Special Representative for Iraq, Mr. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, and express our willingness to fully cooperate with him in order to ensure the complete and smooth fulfilment of the United Nations mandate in Iraq as set forth in Security Council resolution 1546 (2004).”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Jordan underscores its support for the Government of Iraq and stands ready to lend all possible assistance to Iraq, its people and Government in the forthcoming phase in order to enable the country to rebuild its institutions, manage its own affairs and recover its regional and international status. The ongoing transition in Iraq and the need for it to develop its political and economic processes require the cooperation of all parties. With support, the Iraqi people will be able to determine their political future without external intervention, gain control of their 14 natural resources and preserve Iraq’s territorial integrity.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We also stand ready to provide any assistance that the Palestinian side might seek to help it to reform its administrative and security structures with a view to fulfilling its obligations under the road map. Jordan welcomes the formation of the interim Iraqi Government and the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty at the end of last June. In that regard, we wish to pay tribute to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his Special Adviser, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, for their unrelenting efforts, which culminated in the formation of the interim Government despite the enormous odds they encountered at every stage of the process.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Moreover, and in view of the arbitrary Israeli closures and restrictions on movement, the occupied Palestinian territories are witnessing an unprecedented level of deterioration in every aspect of their political, social, economic, security and humanitarian situation. This is bound to have a spill-over effect on neighbouring countries, especially Jordan. That is the backdrop against which Jordan supported the efforts leading to the adoption of the International Court of Justice advisory opinion and Assembly resolution ES-10/15. Jordan will continue to support the Palestinian people in its efforts to establish an independent State on its national territory, on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), the principle of land for peace, the road map and the Arab peace initiative.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Seventh, the international community is under a legal obligation to refrain from abetting Israel in its illegal activities and is prohibited from recognizing the illegal situation effected by the construction of the separation wall. Accordingly, Jordan welcomes General Assembly resolution ES-10/15 and considers it an important step, reflecting the international community’s recognition of the legal conclusions of the International Court of Justice and its desire to take practical steps to enforce it. The separation wall threatens the national security of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The wall is not only a barrier to the establishment of a viable independent Palestinian State, but it also partitions the West Bank into three distinct, isolated sections.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Fifth, the construction by Israel of the wall in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal. Furthermore, Israel must cease its violations relating to the construction of the wall by, inter alia, dismantling those portions of it erected in the occupied Palestinian territories, reinstating the rights of the owners whose lands were lost and compensating those who incurred losses as a result of Israel’s illegal actions. Sixth, the construction of the wall and its route create a fait accompli on the ground which could become permanent and which, in that case, would be tantamount to the actual annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Accordingly, the claim that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is a “disputed territory” has been dismissed once and for all. Second, the relevant rules of international humanitarian law are applicable to the occupied Palestinian territories, including The Hague Regulations of 1907 and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which, according to the International Court of Justice, are legally applicable to that territory. Third, the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination and Israel is violating that right in contravention of the binding norms of international law. Fourth, the Israeli settlements built in the territories occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, are in breach of the rules of international humanitarian law.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Jordan stresses the need to respect and implement the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the separation wall being built by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. The pronouncement of the International Court of Justice is the law, and no peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question can be realized unless it is based on observance of the rules of international law and the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian 13 people, including the right to self-determination. In that regard, the Court’s opinion was both clear and specific on the following points. First, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is an occupied territory and, under international law, Israel is an occupying Power.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Here, I wish to pay tribute to the Quartet for its persistent efforts to maintain the momentum of the peace process. Once again, I wish to reaffirm Jordan’s commitment, along with that of all other Arab States, to the Arab peace initiative which the Arab Summit adopted in Beirut in 2002 with a view to putting an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict through the conclusion of a collective peace agreement providing for the security of all countries in the region and laying the foundation for the establishment of relations with Israel. The agreement would also create a framework for a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem on the basis of General Assembly resolution 194 (III), a full Israeli withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied in 1967 and the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian State.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In that regard, we welcome the decision to consolidate the Palestinian security apparatus. Israel’s announcement of its unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, however, must be effected as an integral part of the road map and within its terms of reference. The withdrawal must be coordinated with all parties concerned, especially the Palestinian side, in order to ensure a smooth transfer of power. It has become abundantly clear, now perhaps more than ever before, that there is a real need to develop an effective monitoring mechanism, operated by the Quartet, to ascertain whether all parties meet their mutual obligations and to ensure the scrupulous implementation of the road map by the two sides in their progress towards a successful conclusion.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The letter also elaborated the firm position of the United States, which rejects any measures that would prejudice the outcome of final status negotiations on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). The launching of any serious political process requires immediate action on the part of all parties to put an end to violence and to all forms of killing of civilians. Let me recall here that, according to the road map, the obligations of both sides must be carried out in concert. For its part, Israel should fulfil its commitments, beginning with the cessation of all settlement building and all extrajudicial killings. At the same time, the Palestinian side should complete the reforms required to control the security situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and bring violence to an end.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The time has indeed come to focus on starting the peace process on the basis of the road map and the terms of reference it contains, including the Arab peace initiative and implementation by both the Israeli and Palestinian sides of their respective obligations under the road map. In fact, the road map provides a well- defined vision of the ultimate solution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, namely the vision put forward by President George Bush of the United States of two States living side by side in peace. President Bush reaffirmed that position in a letter he sent last May to His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Al Hussein.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The help we need involves support for our development projects, direct assistance to the Jordanian economy and foreign debt relief. Of special significance in this regard is the aid needed and expected from the Group of Eight industrial Powers to Jordan’s plans and initiatives, which have been based on positive, realistic and sustainable goals. The long-standing status quo in our region has made virtually impossible all serious efforts to forge ahead with the overall Middle East reform exercise. The creation of a favourable climate that helps accelerate regional development and progress depends on the termination of the Israeli occupation of Arab land on the basis of international legality with a view to ensuring security and stability in the region.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The most recent inter- Arab initiative was launched by Arab private sector 12 and grass-roots civil organizations, with active Jordanian participation, in Amman on the margin of the World Economic Forum, which was convened at the Dead Sea last May. That initiative laid the foundation for the delineation of a vision for the Middle East for the year 2010. A well-developed plan of action will be laid out at the Davos World Economic Forum in 2005. The plan will provide a framework for pooling and analysing constructive inputs and proposing answers for the challenges facing Jordan and the region in general. However, the series of reform measures currently under way in Jordan will be inadequate without the support of the international community.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Accordingly, we in Jordan sought to develop an integrated agenda that addresses the primary issues of concern to our citizens throughout the country. Those include broader political development and personal freedoms, greater roles for women and youth, a more efficient judiciary system, educational reform and the achievement of steady economic growth with a view to improving the living conditions of all individuals, leading to a more progressive, open and tolerant society. Within the same framework, the Government of Jordan sought to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors, both inside Jordan and at the larger, Arab regional level.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It also called for intensifying efforts to improve performance in the political, economic, social and educational areas by: giving more attention to youth issues, the advancement of women and the modernization of social institutions throughout the Arab world; improving education; completing the Arab common market plan; and laying out a pan-Arab economic development strategy. Jordan, for its part, supports this vision, which is in line with the plans we have already been pursuing within our national reform agenda. Jordan believes that for reform to be truly meaningful it has to emanate first and foremost from within society and be sensitive to the particular characteristics and needs of each country.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“First, I wish to warmly congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session. The most recent Arab Human Development Report of the United Nations Development Programme identified the pressing challenges facing the Arab world both now and in the future. Thus, it contributed to triggering a broad debate on the future of reform in the Middle East. Partly in response, the Tunis Arab Summit adopted in May 2004 a document on the process of development, modernization and reform in the Arab world with a view to improving joint Arab action. That platform paper highlighted the need to consolidate democratic principles and to broaden the base of political participation.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We are proud and privileged to participate with other Member States in those global operations in areas that have been afflicted by war, conflict and instability. However, to ensure the effective and complete fulfilment of the lofty objectives of the mandate of each peacekeeping operation, adequate budgetary funds must be ensured for the operations’ smooth functioning, including on-time reimbursement of payments due to troop-contributing countries. In closing, allow me once again to thank the President. I wish this session of the General Assembly every success as I pray to Allah, our Lord, to enable us, one and all, to live up to the responsibilities entrusted to us.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“As the General Assembly is well aware, Jordan had the privilege of working hard to make significant contributions in support of the Court’s creation and of the entry into force of its Statute. In the same vein, Jordan takes pride in the election of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah to the Board of Directors of the Victims’ Trust Fund established for the victims of crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. The Fund is expected to have a tangible impact in alleviating the anguish of the victims of the most horrifying crimes and of their families. With regard to United Nations peacekeeping operations, Jordan continues to attach great importance to this area of activity by the United Nations system.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Our primary purpose should be how to improve the role and performance of the United Nations in all spheres of its operations. More specifically, that should 29 include strengthening its role in the areas of preventive diplomacy, the management of humanitarian crises, conflicts and wars, human rights violations, and the challenges associated with globalization and the development of humankind. In that regard, Jordan welcomes the fact that the International Criminal Court is entering a new phase in terms of the election of its Judges and Prosecutor, which is a further step in the establishment of international justice and in how violations of international humanitarian law are treated.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In fact, that issue is quite high on our national agenda, and our expectation is that further progress will be made in the enhancement of our democratic institutions. Bearing this in mind, Jordan will be guided by the conclusions outlined in the extremely valuable United Nations Development Programme report on Arab Human Development. We are grateful to the UNDP and its team of Arab experts for their analytical methods in identifying and profiling some pressing challenges currently facing the Arab world. Jordan views this publication with great interest and perceives it from an extremely positive perspective, given its merits in terms of data, analytical approach and practical and specific objectives as well as its valuable science-based conclusions and recommendations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“That will help in the evolution of stronger incentives for achieving further progress and stability. Such an environment will be more amenable to economic growth and will generate a stronger momentum to eradicate poverty and human suffering as we strive towards the fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals. In that context, democracy assumes a special relevance, especially since it is essentially an inherent process that evolves from the cultures and specific characteristics of societies. Therefore, it is virtually untenable to impose this concept on others in prescribed forms that might not be in concert with the cultural structures of those communities. In Jordan, however, we are committed to pursue the path of democratic reforms and development of the national political process in all its aspects.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“This phenomenon is in complete contradiction of the true nature and meaning of the Islamic faith, which is anchored in the values of justice, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and reverence for humankind. Thus, we feel a pressing need to pay due attention to the role that the dialogue among civilization plays in consolidating understanding and coexistence among peoples and nations. It also helps in eliminating the causes of extremism that emanate from a lack of genuine knowledge and comprehension of the essence of religions and cultures that are based on disseminating a message of peace, understanding and acceptance of others. The political and economic developments unfolding in this era of globalization and information technology prompt us to accelerate the process of political and economic openness in the developing countries.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Once again, let me reiterate our firm commitment to cooperate with all countries and international efforts in the joint fight against terrorism. We would like to express our full backing for the efforts aimed at achieving meaningful progress in the current negotiations in the General Assembly to adopt a comprehensive convention on combating terrorism and a convention on combating nuclear terrorism. We hope that these endeavors will prove successful in the formulation of a legal and specific definition of the concept of terrorism which would set it apart from the rights protected under international law and international humanitarian law for States, peoples and individuals. For out part, Jordan repudiates all vicious falsehoods and sinister campaigns to smear Arabs and Muslims with the label of terrorism.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“As you are all aware, the Jordanian Embassy complex in Baghdad was also a target of a vicious terrorist attack that claimed many innocent lives. Nonetheless, that appalling act reinforced our resolve to continue to reach out in every possible way to help our brothers in Iraq, in order to enable them to overcome the overwhelming odds they have been enduring. Terrorism has proved to be a global phenomenon that cuts across national boundaries and is not exclusive to a particular region, language, religion or race. It is therefore imperative for all members and institutions of the world community to combat it and eradicate it. Let me assure the Assembly that the Government and people of Jordan are determined to confront this phenomenon which our citizens and institutions have suffered from for several decades.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The United Nations should remain an active player in the forthcoming political process; its role should not be restricted to humanitarian issues only. Our Organization must assume the leading role in overseeing the political process in the forthcoming 28 stage, including the finalization of the drafting of the constitution and supervision of the elections to be held in order to form a sovereign Iraqi Government. Jordan condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly terrorist attack against the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad. Despite the immense tragedy suffered by the United Nations, we do have trust in the resolve and ability of the United Nations system to maintain its operations and assistance to the Iraqi people.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Let me elaborate that my Government has accepted the assumption by the representatives of the transitional Iraqi Government of the seat of Iraq in the League of Arab States on a temporary basis, based on the understanding that Iraq will subsequently move towards drafting its constitution and holding elections leading to the formation of a representative Iraqi Government. We must also emphasize our condemnation of the violations of human rights and international law committed by the previous regime in Iraq, especially the crimes of assassination, mass killings and mass burials, including the execution of Kuwaiti prisoners and detainees. At this juncture, I wish to underline the central role the United Nations must continue to play in Iraq.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“While we emphasize the need to safeguard the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq, to ensure the withdrawal of the foreign occupation forces as quickly as possible and to enable the people of Iraq to determine their future by themselves, we welcome the formation of the transitional Governing Council as a first and important step towards a broad-based Iraqi Government that represents the full spectrum of the Iraqi population, to be elected by the people of Iraq as expeditiously as possible on the basis of a constitution accepted and endorsed by them. Against this backdrop, we decided to deal positively with the Governing Council and with all political groups in Iraq.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The eyes of all Iraqis are now set on the international community in the hope of receiving every possible assistance that would enable them to lay a solid foundation for building a promising future that would include reconstructing their country and regaining its status as an active member in the Organization and of the international community.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We also condemn the separation wall, which consolidates Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, devours further Palestinian land, aggravates the suffering of the Palestinian population and anticipates as a fait accompli, the future shape of the Palestinian State. While we demand that Israel cease forthwith the construction of the wall, we stress the need to respect the status of the 4 June 1967 line. Iraq has now entered a new phase during which the brotherly people of that country are facing enormous hardships and challenges.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We call on the Government of Israel to reverse its decision, which otherwise will plunge the entire region into a dangerous tunnel. Jordan condemns the Israeli settlement activities that take the form of unabated construction of settlements on occupied Palestinian land. Israel must end these activities, which breach the basic norms of international law and, not least, impede ongoing efforts to put the peace process back on track. We demand that the Government of Israel start dismantling all settlements erected since March 2001. This is, after all, a binding obligation of Phase I of the road map.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Rather, Israel should move towards restoration of confidence with the Palestinian side partner side so that both can focus on the political process by engaging in a serious implementation of the road map. To this end, Israel must ease the suffering of the Palestinian people by lifting the closures on Palestinian communities, removing the restrictions imposed on the Palestinian leadership and by withdrawing its military forces from the cities occupied since September 2000, in compliance with Security Council resolution 1402 (2002). In the same context, my Government condemns the decision taken by the Government of Israel to remove, in principle, from the occupied Palestinian territories, the Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, who was legitimately elected by his people. In our view, this decision seriously imperils the peace process.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We maintain that those operations have done 27 harm to the Palestinian cause and have resulted in the erosion of international sympathy for it. Furthermore, they have shifted the global focus away from the core question of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the pressing need to end that occupation. Along the same lines, we condemn Israel’s extrajudicial killing of Palestinian citizens. Let me stress once again that the prevailing atmosphere of violence will only play into the hands of extremists on both sides of the divide. Therefore, it is high time to implement the road map as accepted by all parties and to take bold and expeditious steps to place the entire peace process back on an irreversible track. We call upon Israel to change its current security policy, which has failed to ensure security for the Israelis.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Along the same lines, we urge acceleration in the creation of an effective political and security monitoring mechanism to be operated by the Quartet. That is essential to ensure strict implementation of, and compliance with, without modifications, the respective obligations of both parties as set forth in the road map. To us, such a mechanism is an essential component on which we must insist, because we consider it to be a true point of departure that would enable us to take advantage of the historic window of opportunity and bring about comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the entire Middle East. Regarding suicide attacks, I wish to reiterate that Jordan took a principled position repudiating and condemning such acts on both moral and political grounds.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“On behalf of Jordan, I wish to urge from this world podium all stakeholders — especially the members of the Quartet — to pursue their efforts to ensure scrupulous implementation of the road map, without any modifications and in a way that guarantees by 2005 the establishment of a Palestinian State, with Jerusalem as its capital, and the termination of the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories occupied in 1967. All that would be in keeping with the relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab peace initiative, which is a key component of the road map and provides a framework for peace — a peace that is acceptable to all peoples of the region and fulfils their long-standing aspirations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Nonetheless, we should stay the course with a view to implementing the road map and putting an end to the occupation and the tragic killing of civilians on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides. The hard work that we are investing in this exercise is worthwhile given the potential risk of failure and the absence of political opportunity again. Such failure would make for a more dangerous and complex scenario than before and would jeopardize the interests and security of all actors.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“However, Jordan also made it clear that the declaration in and of itself would be insufficient to create forward movement towards our objectives. What was additionally required was a genuine commitment on the part of the United States and the international community to implement that vision. True to our expectations, we sensed such a genuine commitment at the two recent Sharm al-Sheikh and Aqaba summits. Jordan, in the meantime, fully recognizes that recent developments on the ground — especially the collapse of the ceasefire, or hudna, arrangement between the Palestinian groups and Israel — create severe and real risks and threats for the road map.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Jordan contributed to the development of the road map, which generated a real turnaround in the region’s political landscape. It established a framework of mutual obligations, whose aim is to end the Israeli occupation and to establish an independent Palestinian state on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab peace initiative. The road map set forth a specific three-year time frame for the birth of a Palestinian State. Furthermore, it provided for the creation of a monitoring and assessment mechanism to ensure viable implementation according to specific timelines. It was on the basis of that vision that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan welcomed the road map when it was formally announced by the Quartet. At the time, we expressed the hope that that impetus would help to restart the peace process on a solid foundation.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Peace-making in the region requires a new modus operandi, as all transitional arrangements have failed to establish and build mutual confidence between the two sides and to meet the envisioned goals. Thus, the time has indeed come for a shift in approach. Instead of managing the conflict in a way that has led thus far to a perpetuation of the cycle of violence, our focus should be redirected onto the final objectives of the negotiations. Furthermore, it is no longer useful to concentrate only on security aspects without realizing that the problem is essentially political in nature and not only a question of security. It was against that backdrop that George W. Bush, President of the United States, launched in June 2002 his vision for peace in the Middle East. On the basis of that initiative, the road map was formulated and announced.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Annan has been quite dynamic in his work to enhance this world body’s effectiveness and to revitalize its functions, especially in the areas of international peace and security, human 26 rights and social and economic progress throughout the world. I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Secretary-General as well as to the family of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello and to those of all his colleagues who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Iraq, a barbaric act that we all condemn. The sad collapse of the Oslo process demonstrated that a revival of the Middle East peace process under the previous terms was no longer a viable option.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Let me begin by expressing warm congratulations to Mr. Julian Hunte on his election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth session. I can assure him of the full cooperation of the Jordanian delegation to ensure the fulfilment of his mandate for the benefit of all peoples and nations. I should also like to take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to his predecessor, Mr. Jan Kavan, for his remarkable stewardship of the previous session. A special tribute is due to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his efforts dedicated to upholding the lofty goals of the Organization. Mr.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In closing, I would like to warmly welcome the establishment of the International Criminal Court and the entry into force of its Statute. Our expectation is that the Court will enhance the great principles and purposes of the United Nations itself. Let me underline our absolute support for all efforts aimed at strengthening and revitalizing the United Nations system, including the ongoing structural reform exercise and the review of Security Council membership with a view to its expansion in order to make it more representative of the new international realities. Finally, I wish the Assembly all success in its deliberations.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)