Interview with His Majesty King Abdullah II

Al Rai: Now that the National Agenda Committee has presented its recommendations, does that mean that a new government will be formed, or are the recommendations unrelated to "governments," in the sense that the current government, as well as those that will succeed it, is bound by the agenda and bound by what will be decided on in terms of recommendations?

King Abdullah: The output of the National Agenda has nothing to do with changing or reshuffling governments. All discussion of this amounts to mere speculation and interpretations by the press. The fact is that the members of the Royal Committee have made strident efforts over the past few months and advanced valuable opinions, visions and recommendations. Although differences in opinion remain regarding certain aspects of the agenda, these differences have enriched the work of the committee and helped to clarify certain issues of public concern.

Al Rai: Having said that, will the recommendations of the National Agenda Committee be submitted to a public referendum or to the two houses of Parliament? Where does the National Agenda stand vis-à-vis the Constitution?

King Abdullah: There is no need for a referendum because this contradicts the Constitution. We have assigned the members of the committee to undertake this national mission and they undertook their duties superbly. We hold them in high respect for their hard work and extraordinary efforts. The next step is that we shall direct the government to study all the recommendations, principles and ideas agreed on by the committee members. Of course there have been controversial issues like the election law. The principles to govern such legislation are not yet agreed, and the government might think that this subject needs more dialogue. The government will study these recommendations and set priorities before they are translated into programmes and legislation that will be subjected to constitutional process.

Al Rai: There is talk in political and partisan circles about the objective of dividing the country into three or more regions. Could Your Majesty give us the final say on this matter so as to put an end to rumours and gossip?

King Abdullah: The primary goal behind the formation of the Royal Committee on Administrative Divisions is to advance economic development at the local level.

We have sensed a need to engage people in the governorates in the economic and developmental decision-making process to boost economic growth rates in these districts and reduce poverty and unemployment. In fact, the people on the ground are the most able to assess their developmental needs. We did not want planning to be limited exclusively to the centre, i.e., the capital, but to be extended to all parts of the Kingdom.

We have asked the committee to study the prospects of setting up mini-legislatures in the central, northern and southern regions to handle planning and oversee their respective regions' economic and developmental needs. Again, if the committee decides that dividing the Kingdom into three regions would serve our objectives, a proposal to do so would be submitted to the government for consideration, and the recommendations would pass through the appropriate constitutional channels.

However, the rumours claiming that the decision would pave the way for a Jordanian role in the West Bank as a fourth region are absolutely incorrect and groundless.

Al Rai: Your Majesty, you have tasked the government with setting up an independent commission to combat corruption. Do you think that this body would really be able to fight corruption, expose the corrupt and limit the phenomena of wasta and favouritism?

King Abdullah: Certainly, corruption is the foe of development, progress and modernisation in any country. I am sure that Jordan is not among the countries where corruption can be described as a phenomenon. In fact, Jordan is pioneering among the world's countries in fighting corruption, and indictors show that it has made progress towards that end. Yes, there are wasta and favouritism, and they are a social phenomenon that we all need to fight by closing the doors leading to it and educating people on its negative impact. The decision to establish an anti-corruption commission was made to achieve this goal. Its mission will, God willing, crystallise after the law governing its work is endorsed.

Al Rai: The government had no choice in the past four months but to hike the prices of oil derivatives after international oil prices reached levels that were once unthinkable, and the government oil subsidy became a burden on the budget. This has led to rising prices of most commodities in the country. What plans are in place to face the mounting pressure on the budget? Is there an initiative to reduce poverty and unemployment?

King Abdullah: I am fully ware of the economic pressures on the underprivileged as a result of the hike in fuel prices. I am trying to protect the poor and those with limited-income people and ensure them the necessary sources of income. Therefore, I have issued directives to compile a modern database through which we can identify the poor so that financial assistance and in-kind support can reach them.

The Royal Court has started regularly distributing aid to thousands of needy families. These same families will also be secured with housing units, delivered through projects supervised by the Royal Court in cooperation with the government. Also, a project to build housing for poor families in the governorates will be announced soon. In addition to that, we have directed the government to allocate plots of state-owned land in various districts throughout the country for the construction of housing units for thousands of citizens who cannot afford them.

But most importantly, we have to face the facts. This huge hike in oil prices has not affected us alone, but rather has had its impact on every country in the world. Therefore, there are dues to pay: We either solve our own problems and confront them with patience, determination and hard work or we will become hostage to external economic influences.

We are confidently moving on the right path, and Jordan's achievements in the past five years have impressed all. Figures show that the size of investments in the various sectors up to this month has amounted to a billion dinars. Other indications that the economy is on the right track is the growth in the size of foreign reserves at the Central Bank, amounting by the end of July to around $5.1 billion.

There are still challenges ahead and we will face them with hard work and determination, as I have said. When the government took this difficult decision, our people owned up to their responsibility, and our media played a key role in explaining the facts to the people.

Al Rai: How do you view the participation of the private sector in the development process?

King Abdullah: The private sector has contributed to various aspects of the development process. It has made quantum quality leaps in this regard and has partnered with the private sector in the Arab world in joint investment ventures. However, we are still looking for a more active and efficient role of the private sector and a genuine partnership with the public sector to implement more projects that create jobs and ease poverty and unemployment. Jordan has now become a gateway for Arab investment, and the private sector now needs to take the initiative and lead the development process.

Al Rai: Political parties, whose number exceeds thirty, have been for the past years advised to merge. But they did not. Will the reform process continue in accordance to Your Majesty's vision, or will the political development process remain hostage to personal agendas and reactionary forces?

King Abdullah: The reform process is irreversible. It stems from our conviction that our people always deserve the best. In the world of today, we cannot stop and turn a blind eye to developments around us and in the world. But this process cannot take place overnight. In fact, reform is not a government decision, but rather a collective effort derived from best practices from countries around the world and from the conviction that reform is necessary. In reform, there are no winners and losers. Every one should win.

As for the political parties, I have said on several occasions that the fragmentation and large number of parties do not serve the reform process. They are obstacles in its way. I look forward to the day when we have three or four powerful parties that represent the major intellectual schools in the country and advance national economic, political and social programmes that are derived from the realities of Jordan and its people. To have parties with links across the borders or those who prioritise the concerns of others ahead of ours cannot help develop and enrich political life, and is not acceptable, either.

Al Rai: The region is undergoing a difficult stage in which all scenarios are possible, especially as far as the Palestinian and Iraqi files are concerned. In all cases, Jordan will be affected and likewise will have its effect on these two issues. How do you see the future of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza?

King Abdullah: The Palestinian issue is at critical crossroads: We are either heading towards a just solution that satisfies all parties, foremost a solution that leads to the emergence of a Palestinian state, or we will return to square one. We are optimistic that the withdrawal from Gaza would be the first step to the pullout from the West Bank in accordance with the roadmap. Both the Palestinians and the Israelis are required now to build on what has been achieved.

Meanwhile, I call on the Palestinians to unite their ranks and steer clear of internal divisions because internal strife is not in the interest of the Palestinian people.

We all should be helping the Palestinian Authority enhance its institutional capabilities and bring an end to the security chaos. The world is watching the Palestinian experience in Gaza after the Israeli withdrawal, which we hope will succeed so that the international community can help them and demand that Israel take further steps to withdraw from the West Bank.

Al Rai: You have had phone conversations with both PNA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Do you sense that both sides are ready to restore calm to the situation and take serious confidence-building steps and, subsequently, resume negotiations? Will Your Majesty's visit to the Palestinian territories and Israel come soon?

King Abdullah: These contacts are a continuation of what I agreed on with President Bush. We agreed that I would visit both the Palestinian territories and Israel to discuss with leaders there ways to keep channels of communication open between the two sides and to figure out the next step after the withdrawal from Gaza. The recent clashes between Palestinians and Israelis have delayed my visit, but I intend to make it soon, especially since I have succeeded, through intensive contacts, in convincing both Israeli and Palestinian officials to sit together and discuss the pending issues.

Al Rai: Do you think that the US is still a supporter of the peace process?

King Abdullah: In all my meetings with President Bush and officials in the US administration, there was always the assurance that the US is committed to the two-state solution: a viable Palestinian state that lives side by side with Israel. In my recent meeting with the US president, discussions focused on ways to push forward the peace process and encourage the Palestinians and the Israelis to create a suitable climate for communication between them and to prevent any act that would hinder the peace process.

Al Rai: You have recently been in the US where you met with President Bush, the pillars of his administration, Congressional leaders, leading intellectuals and public opinion and religious leaders. Did this visit achieve its goals, bearing in mind that you led a campaign there to clarify the meaning and essence of Islam?

King Abdullah: We led during this visit a campaign to explain the truth about Islam; that it is a faith of moderation and tolerance. The religious leaders I met there showed understanding and appreciation of the efforts I was exerting to bring viewpoints closer and launch a dialogue between the followers of the three monotheist religions based on the noble universal values shared by these faiths. After all, these religions promote tolerance, moderation and coexistence in the face of the terrorism and extremism that have become a real threat to world peace and security.

The Amman Message and the International Islamic Conference that was held in Amman last July constituted a solid base to build on such efforts. I called on religious leaders and Muslim communities in the US to join these endeavours to achieve inter-cultural understanding instead of a clash of civilisations and to build bridges of understanding between the various cultures.

I would like to note that we will proceed with our efforts to defend Islam through upcoming meetings with several leaders of the Islamic world that will take place during a tour of a number of Islamic countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Iran. I will encourage the heads of these states to join this campaign to defend our faith.

Al Rai: Iraq. Where is it heading? Who will decide the future of this country in light of accusations of regional forces' interference in its internal affairs?

King Abdullah: The future of Iraq relies on the will of its people. The Iraqis are facing a tough test and are definitely the ones who are the most aware of what they want for the future of their country. The government and I are in constant contact with Iraqi leaders representing the various political, intellectual and religious streams in Iraq. The purpose of these meetings and contacts is to urge all parties to cooperate and enhance solidarity among their people in order to build a unified Iraq for all Iraqis.

Al Rai: The referendum on the draft Iraqi constitution is approaching, and the debate on the issues of federalism and the Arab identity of Iraq is mounting in the Iraqi arena. Are you optimistic that the political process there is on the right track?

King Abdullah: Iraq needs support from all of us. As I have just said, we have made contact with all political forces and Iraq's opinion leaders. For the past two weeks, there have been contacts with Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite leaders with the aim of urging a consensus among them on the need to find away out of the crisis over the constitution.

True, there were problems regarding the first draft of the constitution, but I have looked at the amendments made recently, such as the one which describes Iraq as a founding and active member of the Arab League that is committed to its charter as well as part of the Islamic world. I also saw the amendment prohibiting the prosecution of members of the disbanded Baath Party who were not among its leaders and did not commit crimes. These people enjoy equality and protection under the law. Another provision stipulates that Arabic and Kurdish are the two official languages in the region of Kurdistan.

Such amendments are undoubtedly positive and a step towards encouraging Sunni Arabs to participate in the political process and the building of a modern Iraq. I have also heard that other amendments are being negotiated with the various groups in Iraq that are prone to push the Sunni Arabs to be part of the process.

In fact, I have recently made contacts with Kurdish leaders, particularly Masoud Al Barazani, who I urged to back the Sunnis' demand to add to the constitution a provision stipulating that Iraq is part of the Arab and Islamic world. Contacts are still under way and, God willing, the will of the Iraqis will eventually prevail and peace and security will be achieved. We believe that Iraqis' success in building a unified country and bringing an end to the security chaos and terrorism there is a success for us and for the entire region at large.

Al Rai: Jordanian-Iraqi ties have witnessed some misunderstandings that have negatively affected the depth and vitality of bilateral relations. Can we assume that the recent exchange of visits by officials from both countries is the beginning to correct the bilateral relationship?

King Abdullah: The relations with Iraq are on the right track now. What happened was a brief misunderstanding that is now history. But the relationship between the two peoples and mutual interests necessitate that both countries remain fully supportive of each other and in continuous contact. This is what we agreed on with the Iraqi officials. We believe Iraq is an element of strength for us, while Jordan is Iraq's lung.

Al Rai: How do you describe Jordan's ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council?

King Abdullah: We are bound by strong, deep-rooted and brotherly ties with the Gulf countries. We are in constant contact and consultation with their leaders on issues of mutual concern in order to serve our mutual interests, defend Arab causes and preserve the identity of the Arab nation. We are jointly working to build on these ties, particularly in the fields of economics and trade, which have recently witnessed remarkable prosperity. We are also encouraging the private sectors of Jordan and the Gulf states to establish more joint investment ventures that benefit from the attractive investment climate in the Kingdom.

Al Rai: Syria has been subject to international and regional pressures that have triggered fears among neighbouring countries. Is there a Jordanian or an Arab role to contain the potential consequences of such tense situation?

King Abdullah: Syria is a friendly country and a neighbour with which we enjoy strong relations. We hope the situation will be contained and that Syria will be spared any further pressures. Jordan's stand has always emanated from the belief that diplomacy is the solution to any outstanding issues between countries. The region cannot endure new tensions.

Al Rai: During your recent visit to the US, you with Iranian President Ahmedinejad. How do you assess your talks with him, and do you believe that President Ahmedinejad is capable of resolving Iran's problem with the West, especially in light of the anticipated transfer of the Iranian nuclear file to the United Nations?

King Abdullah: I met with President Ahmedinejad on the sidelines of my participation in the UN General Assembly meetings. The meeting with him was constructive, and we agreed on more consultation and coordination in the service of mutual interests. He discussed his country's stand on the nuclear file. As far as I am concerned, the door of dialogue should not be closed on this issue because further negotiation and exchange of viewpoints between Iran and the West might lead to a solution that comes as a relief to all and prevents another crisis in the region.

Of course, Jordan rejects the existence of any nuclear weapons in the Middle East and call for this region to be a nuclear-free and a WMD-free zone. We hope that the efforts of all countries are dedicated to development and human welfare.