His Majesty King Abdullah said that the Arab Spring is a call for dignity, justice and freedom. He added that there’s no going back on the legitimate aspirations of the people to have a larger say in the way their societies are organised.

King Abdullah made the remarks in a recent interview with the Turkish Policy Quarterly journal. "I trust we will eventually see the emergence of vibrant and engaged civil societies, more pluralism, democracy, justice, and equality in the Arab world," the King said, speaking about the Arab Spring.

Addressing the Syrian issue, King Abdullah said Syria is the biggest question mark at the moment, adding it is impossible to predict how the Syrian situation will evolve and fully and comprehensively assess its ramifications on the region. "The only certain thing is that the Syrian crisis is placing new burdens and responsibilities on the neighbours, namely both Turkey and Jordan, starting with looming prospects of a humanitarian emergency," the King said.

On domestic issues, His Majesty said: “I fully appreciate that a truly inclusive, open and comprehensive national reform effort takes time. But I also urge the government and parliament to move as fast as possible, especially on parliamentary elections, because we must maintain the momentum: We can not disappoint the people and risk the credibility of the reform process.”

The King said he was optimistic that 2012 will be Jordan’s year of key reform. “We have a clear roadmap and an agreed end-goal: parliamentary government. The time-line is also set, the government and parliament have a daunting task ahead of them, with dozens of key political laws requiring drafting and promulgation.”

Answering a question on peacemaking efforts, the King said the peace process remains front and centre for Jordan. The achievement of a permanent peace that restores all Palestinian legitimate rights is not only a regional policy objective, but a paramount national interest of Jordan, he added. On the other hand, the King warned, the window of opportunity for peace is quickly narrowing and the parties are running out of options.