Interview with His Majesty King Abdullah II

Al Rai Al Aam: Your Majesty's talk of a ‘Shii Crescent' in the region, that may come to light if the forthcoming Iraqi elections were to bring to power a pro-Iranian Iran, has created wide controversy and a lot of criticism. Would Your Majesty clarify what you meant exactly by a Shii Crescent and whether the fears are from the rule of the Shiites or from an Iranian style Shii rule.

King Abdullah: Thank you for asking this question and I shall respond very frankly and with clarity so there will be no confusion or ambiguity. Our Arab world is witnessing reactions and interactions within which elements of politics, security and sometimes ideologies and sectarianism, even narrow interests, intertwine in a way that demands alertness and caution. That is what I meant. I am a Hashemite, honoured by my descent from the Faithful Prophet of God, Mohammad, (PBUH). I take pride in and highly value my religion and Arabism, and of our true Islamic religion, a religion of tolerance brotherhood and the straight and narrow path. Arabism has contained the whole nation irrespective of differences among its people in terms of race or religion.

Jordan, which has been honoured by advocating the message of its Arab and Islamic nation, has always consecrated the meanings of tolerance, freedom, standing on the side of its nation and caring for religious tenancies, as well as advancement towards repudiating discrimination, violence and terrorism and politicizing religion in a manner that is detrimental to the interests of the nation and our true religion.

We were Muslims, before there were Sunni, Shii or other sects. Also, in the same token as there are Muslim-Arab states, there are non-Arab Muslim states. Islam brings us together, and Arabism unites us. Religion brings together people of different sects and drives. We have to unite our efforts and agree on all that bears good to the nation and to its unity and alleviation. This can be achieved through our adherence to the teachings of our true religion and to our Arabism.

As you know, dear brother, Jordan has always strived for Iraq to be an independent country, where its people are blessed with freedom, security and stability and for the Iraqi government to be representative of all Iraqis regardless of their sects and races. A government that works towards building a better future for Iraq and safeguards the unity and Arabism of Iraq, that would enable it to resume its vital and effective role on both the regional and international arenas.

Over the past long years, we have had our nationalistic stances that were the furthest away from manipulative rhetoric and empty slogans. Never have we allowed ourselves to interfere in the internal affairs of any state. On the contrary, Jordan has always opened its heart and arms to all. We have always retained a vision that stems from our aspirations to fulfil our commitments to our nation and Arab brethren, even if it were to subject us to what is beyond our capacity and capability. The history of my Hashemite family and its national stances, as well as its continued call for Arab unity and genuine work to confront dangers and aid our brethren is well known. As a Hashemite King, when I talk, I feel that I talk about all Muslims both Sunni and Shii. Our duty dictates that we do not stand with our hands tied in front of any challenge and that we be alert to any attempt that aims to fragment the unity of any brethren Arab country.

Al Rai Al Aam: Your Majesty's statements have been interpreted as being against the Shii and that you are displeased with the possibility of them taking power in Iraq. What are Your Majesty's comments?

King Abdullah: There is no way whatsoever that we can be against the Shii. They allied to the side of and advocated for the household of the Prophet (Aal AlBayt) and we are from Aal Al Bayt. We have strong and well established relations with the Shii in Lebanon, Iraq and the Gulf states, as well as with many in Iran. We are careful that Sunnis and Shii remain united, as was always the case, and will stand against any group that tries to infringe upon this exceptional relationship. I am really taken by surprise over this matter and of this dangerous interpretation of it which, if anything, indicates the presence of deficiencies and special agendas that could inflame strife and ignite internal conflicts and sectarianism. This is something, which we have always cautioned against and it is incumbent upon us to stand against it and fight it.

In all my meetings with world leaders, the last of which was with US President George Bush, and members of the US administration, I have emphasised on the need to protect Iraq's unity and independence and to provide for a favourable climate for the elections to be conducted on the designated schedule. What we care for is the unity of the Iraqi people, and the protection of the integrity of its land, independence, future, and a decent secure life for all Iraqis. We have always sought - and still seek that Iraq realises the aspirations of its people in prosperity and well-being.

Al Rai Al Aam: Your Majesty's statements on the role of Iran in Iraq and Iran's influence on the scheduled Iraqi elections, have caused anger and resentment in Iran, as was described negatively in the Iranian media. It is also said that Jordanian-Iranian relations are deteriorating. What is your response to this?

King Abdullah: Our relations with Iran are good. But there are certain groups that are trying to influence these relations in the opposite direction, and thus have manipulated my statements to serve their own purposes. What we talked about concerning 'a Shii Crescent' has been given more weight than it should. It was interpreted in a different way than our intentions. It is Iraqis themselves who have the right to determine their future, through their participation in the elections and away from any external interference. Such interference may bring about a government that is not representative of all Iraqis, in which one group is over-represented at the expense of another. What we seek to achieve is the participation of all to establish security, democracy and formulate a new constitution, which would first and foremost be in the interest of Iraq, in our interests and that of the peace process in the region.

Al Rai Al Aam: You have called upon adherents of the Sunni sect to participate strongly in the upcoming Iraqi elections. What do you expect the effect of this call to be, in light of the continued Sunni entities talk to boycott the elections, especially in light of the deteriorating security situation?

King Abdullah: As I said before, we are keen that all Iraqis participate in the elections. Here I am not talking of Sunni or Shii but about all Iraqis. Participating in the elections is the right step towards personifying the free will of the Iraqi people to choose those, whom the voters think would represent them. Elections are the right step towards securing the representation of all groups in the Government and the various institutions of governance, as well as drafting the new Iraqi constitution. We expect that all religious, partisan and political currents will take the initiative to participate in the electoral process, so that no group would feel it is marginalised in the future and has no effective role in Iraq's political life. The call by some to boycott the elections is not in the interest of Iraq, nor in the welfare of its future. A bright future for Iraq is conditional upon the volume of participation in the elections and national responsibility demands that all groups heed the call of reason and wisdom and renounce calls for boycotting.

Al Rai Al Aam: Iraq has become exposed to an unprecedented terrorist situation. What, in Your Majesty's opinion, is the responsibility of the United States for this situation? Is it possible to correct such mistakes as disbanding the army, dismantling the country's institutions and dissolving the Baath Party?

King Abdullah: We have had a clear and frank position vis-à-vis the disbanding of the Iraqi army and the dismantling of Iraqi institutions. We have drawn attention more than once to the dangers of such a step, which caused the deterioration of the security situation to a level that cannot be described. The state of frustration among disbanded army personnel and workers in the various Iraqi institutions, who have suddenly found themselves unable to provide for their families' basic needs, has been aggravated, leading to the negative results we are witnessing today in Iraq. I believe that the solution lies in the reconstitution of the Iraqi Army and the security forces, being capable forces, which can control the situation and put an end to the escalation of violence as well as supporting all efforts geared to the reconstruction of institutions in order to enable them to provide services and provide for the needs of the Iraqi people. From here, we strive alongside many other states to provide training and rehabilitation for the police and army forces and for the reconstruction of Iraqi institutions.

Al Rai Al Aam: Provisional Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi announced from Amman that he had sent a message to Syrian President Bashar Assad, to which he attached documents and evidence of the involvement of Syrian nationals in acts of terrorism in Iraq and demanded the extradition of former Iraqi officials also currently living in Damascus. Do you share the Iraqi government's fears of a negative role, played by some of the neighbouring countries, or do you trust the claim by Damascus that it is concerned only with the stability and sovereignty of Iraq?

King Abdullah: I believe that everybody is aware of the amount of danger that could happen if some were to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs. If we really want to help Iraqis establish security and stability, we have to provide assistance and support which are not linked in any way or form of self interest. The Iraqi people belong to an ancient civilisation and history, and need the assistance of all those who can enable them achieve their dreams to acquire security, stability and prosperity. The meeting of Iraq's neighbouring countries in Amman, which we hope will witness the participation of all concerned countries, shall provide an opportunity to discuss all matters concerned with Iraqi affairs.

Al Rai Al Aam: Geographically, Jordan lies between two elections — in Palestine and in Iraq. How will the results of these elections be reflected on Jordan, in particular, and on the region in general?

King Abdullah: As you know - my dear brother - the instability that the region is witnessing is the result of the hardship and severe suffering of the Palestinian and Iraqi people. The repercussions of this situation have created a situation of frustration, whose outcomes include the continuation of the aggravated cycle of violence and the escalation of extremism and terror. If we want to put an end to the tragic situation in the region, the international community as well as all the concerned parties should mobilise in order to provide the necessary support and backing that would contribute towards the success of the elections in Palestine and Iraq, because their success ushers an earnest start for Palestinians and Iraqis to define their priorities and build their institutions which would shoulder the responsibility to overcome the difficult challenges dictated by the nature of the current phase. Also, elections would mark the beginning and title of a new phase whereby all efforts would be combined to support the re-engagement of the Palestinians in the peace process in order to establish their independent state on their national soil and to live in peace alongside the State of Israel. The same applies to the Iraqis, whereby the success in guaranteeing the participation of everyone in the forthcoming elections, as I said earlier, will establish a government that is representative of all Iraqis who will undertake the mission of reconstructing their country and drawing their own future. The security and prosperity of this region, is conditional upon the establishment of security and stability in Palestine and Iraq.

Al Rai Al Aam: Will electing Abu Mazen as President of the Palestinian Authority contribute to expediting steps toward unifying the security agencies and building institutions that are capable of engagement in the peace process?

King Abdullah: It is the Palestinian people alone who can choose their leadership and take their own national decisions. The present stage dictates that there should be a Palestinian leader capable of taking bold and confident steps, in order to be an effective partner in the peace process and achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish an independent viable state on their national soil. “Abu Mazen” is a capable man, and has a clear plan and vision to unify all the security apparatus and to re-construct and structure all Palestinian institutions in a comprehensive reform programme that aims for the establishment of the aspired-for state which is capable of being a true partner in the peace process and defeats Israel's claim that there is no real partner with whom to negotiate with.

Al Rai Al Aam: You expressed optimism in your speech at the Foreign Journalists Association in London, on the possibility of the establishment of a Palestinian state, in a not so distant period. On what did you build such optimism Your Majesty?

King Abdullah: We have repeatedly asserted through meetings with world leaders and through the various media and international forums that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories is the main cause of conflict in the region, and that no peace can be achieved other than by supporting Palestinians to establish their independent state on their national soil, which would respond to their aspirations and dreams to a secure and stable livelihood. I have sensed lately, in my meetings with European, American and Far Eastern leaders, an earnest wish and a real determination to seize the opportunity of the prevailing circumstances in this phase to support all efforts and moves towards mobilising the peace process and re-instituting it back on the right track, as well as encouraging both the Palestinian and Israeli parties to return to the negotiating table. Recently, US President George Bush reiterated his commitment to working towards the establishment of a Palestinian state. So did British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who stressed his government's intention of continuing to support all efforts that would contribute to the establishment of the Palestinian state. This constitutes an opportunity, which we must seize as soon as possible. Exploiting the time element is also very important, otherwise we will loose an available opportunity for establishing peace and an opportunity to establish a Palestinian state to which the Palestinians aspire for.

Al Rai Al Aam: In your usual frankness Your Majesty, are Syrian-Jordanian relations in their right frame now, and if not what is needed for it to become so? What has happened to the borders dispute between the two countries?

King Abdullah: Syria is a brethren state. Syrian President Bashar Assad is a dear brother, with whom we have close brotherly relations. We are keen on enhancing and developing the historical relations of cooperation between the two countries in all fields and on continuing consultation and coordination in relation to the establishment of joint projects whose results would be positive for both peoples. Recently, my government has ratified an agreement that would end the border overlapping. I hope that the final signing of this agreement will be concluded soon.

Al Rai Al Aam: Jordan read Resolution 1559 that calls for a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, differently from Lebanon's official reading of course, as well as Syria and some Arab countries. Do you think that a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, and exercising control over the Iraqi borders, are steps in the right direction, towards further building of trust with the US in particular, and the International organisation in general?

King Abdullah: We respect the Security Council resolutions and cannot deal selectively with resolutions on international legitimacy. We always call for adopting the language of dialogue as the best means for dealing with such issues. As with regard to the issue of controlling the borders, this matter is extremely important and applies to all countries neighbouring Iraq. Secure Iraqi borders are conducive to the establishment of security and stability within Iraqi territories. When the Iraqi citizen feels this, they will start to focus on improving their living conditions and to participate effectively in the various aspects of development and all efforts at building the State. These and other elements will, naturally, create climates of trust at the regional and international levels.

Al Rai Al Aam: How would you evaluate today Jordan's relations with Kuwait?

King Abdullah: Our relations with our brethren state of Kuwait are distinguished, solid and at their best. I have visited Kuwait several times. There is continuous liaison and consultation between myself and my elder brother, His Excellency Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad al Sabbah, and all Kuwaiti officials on the different subjects that contribute to serving our joint efforts and the causes of our Arab nation We aspire for the continued strengthening and raising of the levels of mutual cooperation, especially in the economic, educational, and tourism fields to increase the volume of trade exchange between our two brethren countries and to enhance investment opportunities. We appreciate all the assistance and support that we receive from the brotherly state of Kuwait, which is customary of their nobility and benevolence. I would like herewith to extend my deep thanks to my brother His Excellency Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad al Sabbah for his continued support to Jordan which we and the Jordanian people value highly. I also extend my utmost thanks to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates for their continued support of Jordan.

In light of the distinguished relation between Jordan and Kuwait, we have established continuous coordination and contacts with our Kuwaiti brethren with a view to enhancing the level of cooperation in the fields of investment, tourism and education. Kuwaiti investments have achieved major success in Jordan and they are one of the largest amongst Arab and foreign investments in Jordan. The overall volume of these investments amounts to JD 500 million. There are also projects that benefit from the Investment Promotion Law, which amounted to JD 26 million in different industries.

Our efforts to establish economic integrated projects between Jordan and the brotherly state of Kuwait have been fruitful in that it established the Jordan Kuwait Holding Company, which aims to establish a number of service and productive projects in different economic sectors in the Kingdom.

Al Rai Al Aam: During a certain period of time, your surprise incognito visits to the various governorates were numerous. Will you continue this method? How have you found the results of these visits?

King Abdullah: Well we did conduct several surprise visits to a number of locations to identify realities and points of weaknesses as well as the nature of problems that Jordanian citizens, visitors, investors or others face and thereafter to put substantial solutions for them. Thank God, these visits have been fruitful whereby they developed work mechanisms towards offering qualitative service in a distinguished, simple and easy way, away from routine and bureaucracy. The visits also contributed towards setting plans and programmes that helped in training and rehabilitating employees, to enable them to perform their duties as required. When we talk about reform, transparency and building the Jordan model, this requires the existence of institutions that are capable of shouldering their responsibilities, as well as human cadres that believe in their functional duty and work towards facilitating matters for the citizens.

Al Rai Al Aam: If Your Majesty were to summarize quickly Jordan's needs from its own surroundings and the world and what Jordan could offer to the region and to the world?

King Abdullah: Jordan as you know is a small country in area, but is a large country in its positive and effective role on all fronts. We have ambitious programmes and plans to safeguard and protect acquisitions and achievements that have been accomplished so far. We aspire to proceed forward in building a modern and open Jordan, to implement initiatives that are in harmony with our vision for Jordan to be a reform example to be followed, and to contribute to the success of sustained development processes and improve the life of people in the region. This requires additional assistance and support.

We are engaged in an accelerated internal reform process. Our basic aim is to build a civic democratic and comprehensive society that establishes political and economic stability, enhances real social capabilities, empowers society members, provides opportunities for all, and provides hope and promise for our youth who represent our future. The Jordanian example is based upon the capabilities of our society, and on its values and history. It stretches a hand for international opportunities. This example could be an effective course towards democracy and prosperity in the Middle East region.

Last Ramadan we issued the “Amman Message”, which is an important statement about Islam. It highlights the bright and genuine image of Islam, which calls for moderation, tolerance and peace, for co-existence, openness and dialogue, and for involvement and participation in the alleviation and advancement of the human society. Muslim leaders in Europe informed me that the Message was essential to confront the false teachings of extremists. The message was nothing but a mere step towards giving moderate Islam the voice and significance which it deserves on an international level.

Al Rai Al Aam: What are the steps that Jordanians are expecting to enhance reform, political development, and democracy?

King Abdullah: Despite all the difficult circumstances and challenges that Jordan is facing, with its limited resources, political, economical and social reform in Jordan is taking steady and accelerated steps to help our people reach their utmost capabilities in all fields. Our priority is to achieve the aspirations of Jordanian men and women in the building of the modern state, the state of institutions, rule of law, and the society of justice and equality. We continue with our programmes and ambitious plans to upgrade our economy, enhance economic growth, improve the level of education, provide for decent livelihood for our people, provide equal opportunities, and to empower women and the youth to participate in drawing the features of a promising and bright future, god willing. We are confident that we are on the right direction, and that we are able to achieve the goals we aspire for, with the efforts of the Jordanian men and women, and with their earnest, sincere and relentless work.

In conclusion, the reform process in Jordan is progressing steadily. Our country has achieved significant changes in the area of establishing human rights and building a democratic political life. In the economic field, we have encouraged creativity and partnerships with the private sector. Our vision is depicted in a civic society that is open, modern and deeply-rooted in genuine Arab-Islamic values, which stands atop a solid foundation of the values of tolerance, respect of others, belief in the rule of law and the dignity of all people in an equitable manner, striving always to achieve excellence and innovation.