His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday reiterated that Jordan can protect its interests against the so-called “Jordan option”, emphasising that Jordan will have no role in the Palestinian territories except supporting the Palestinians to build an independent state on their national soil.
At a meeting with several community leaders from across the Kingdom, King Abdullah also asserted that the Kingdom is not a substitute homeland for Palestinians.
The King's meeting with the local leaders was to discuss the domestic and regional challenges facing Jordan and policies the country has adopted to deal with them. More such meetings are expected take place in the near future.
King Abdullah said he was optimistic about Jordan's outlook.
"I am very optimistic about the future of our country… I have no fears of conspiracies… We are aware of Jordan's strength and potential."
"Fears come from suspicions that arise inside the Jordanian community… This is the actual source of worries more than anything else… If we in Jordan work with the spirit of one team and take a strong stand, there will be nothing to worry about," the King told the gathering.
King Abdullah said that, in fact, Israel, rather than Jordan, is the state under pressure to end the conflict, adding that the Arab population is forecast to account for 50 per cent of Israel's population within years.
At the meeting, the King stressed that the Palestinian issue is the central concern for Jordan, and that Jordan will continue to provide all possible support to the Palestinians and to realise an end to conflict on the basis of the two-state solution.
King Abdullah said realising Palestinian unity is a priority as far as Palestinian national interests are concerned.
He also voiced hope that efforts to bring about peace will witness progress, as initial indicators show the new US administration is interested in finding a solution to the conflict and achieving peace in the region.
Locally, King Abdullah said Jordan's economic situation is relatively comfortable compared to other countries in terms of the magnitude of the impact from the global financial crisis.
However, he expected 2009 to bring more challenges economy-wise, and stressed the need for precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the financial crisis. He also said poverty and unemployment remain a key challenge.
What happens in the world definitely affects Jordan, he said, adding: "It is not at all wise to say ‘everything is perfect… there is no poverty or unemployment in Jordan'… The world market might affects us… and so we should not be surprised if in two or three months we will face pressures…. We should work in a transparent manner… to protect Jordan politically, economically and socially."
King Abdullah highlighted major projects under way such as the Red-Dead Canal Project, railway projects to link the Kingdom's northern and southern areas and alternative energy plans, including nuclear reactors, that will help enhance the stability of the Jordanian economy and meet the Kingdom's needs for energy.
The King emphasised the necessity of implementing political and administrative reforms, including the decentralisation programme.
The programme, the King said, receives the support of all stakeholders, including the government, the Senate and the Lower House. The plan will have a positive impact, as it will involve local communities in the decision-making process and boost development in the Kingdom's three regions.
Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, the King's Advisor for Tribal Affairs Sharif Fawwaz Zabin Abdullah, the King's Adviser Ayman Safadi and Advisor of the Royal Hashemite Court Yousef Issawi also attended the meeting.