King Meets with Representatives of Palestinian Refugee Camps in Jordan
Ahmed Afaneh
The
King affirms his full and absolute support of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
and all its institutions, for Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy
places.
His Majesty says that the U.S. administration
is aware of the importance of working with Palestinians and Israelis to bring
them back to the negotiation table.
His
majesty says that the visit to Washington included talk of aiding the
Palestinian people and the challenges facing (UNRWA).
His
majesty says that the world appreciates Palestinian people and Jordan's role,
in helping them achieve their legitimate rights.
His
Majesty King Abdullah II, in the presence of Crown Prince, His Royal Highness
Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II, met at the Husseiniya Palace on Wednesday,
representatives of Palestinian camps in Jordan, as part of His Majesty's
constant reach out to the public.
During
the meeting, His Majesty welcomed the audience at the Royal Hashemite Court,
"the home of the Jordanians", and paid his greetings to "his
brothers and sisters in all refugee camps." In the meeting there was talk
about local and regional developments, most important of which, the Palestinian
case, Jerusalem as well as challenges facing UNRWA.
His
majesty stressed on constant political, economic, and administrative reform.
This requires cooperation from everybody to reach our desired goal. He noted
the importance of administrative reform because it directly manifests itself in
economic reform and leads to a better cooperation between the public and
private sectors.
His
Majesty referred to the Corona pandemic and its implications for Jordan's
economy, which requires work to ease the burden on Jordanians and reduce
poverty and unemployment. He confirms the need to set up projects in various
regions of the Kingdom, which contribute to the generation of more jobs.
Regarding the recent royal visit to the United States, His
Majesty confirmed that that the American administration is aware of the
importance of working with the Palestinians and Israelis to bring them back to
the negotiation table, pointing out that U.S. President Joe Biden is committed
to a two-state solution.
His
Majesty said the visit to Washington included talk of aiding the Palestinian
people, as well as the challenges facing UNRWA.
He
referred to the Sweden conference to be held soon, and said it will discuss
ways to restore assistance to the UNRWA Agency.
His
Majesty the King reiterated the absolute and full support of the Hashemite
Kingdom of Jordan and all its institutions, for Jerusalem and its Islamic and
Christian holy sites. He pointed out that there is cooperation and coordination
with several Arab countries to maintain the historical and legal status quo in
the Holy City, and there is appreciation for Jordan's position in this regard.
His Majesty
stressed on the fact that the world respects the Palestinian people and
Jordan's role to help them achieve their legitimate rights.
On the
part of the audience, they appreciated His Majesty's unwavering position on the
Palestinian cause and his efforts in defending Jerusalem and its Islamic and
Christian holy places.
They stressed the importance of the Hashemite guardianship of
the holy sites in the Holy City, which is consistent, permanent, and ongoing,
and it is an unquestioned, historical, and legal right.
They
praised the results of the royal visit to Washington, its important messages in
support of the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the
outcomes of political and financial support to be expected for UNRWA.
They
stressed the fact that Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan are an integral part
of jordan's national fabric, and that they stand united behind the Hashemite
leadership in defending Jordan and supporting Jordan's quest for progress and
prosperity.
They
appreciated His Majesty's initiative to communicate with his citizens from all
walks of life. They noted the
importance of projects implemented at the directions of royal decrees inside
refugee camps.
The
chairman of the services committee at Zarqa Camp, Mohamad Mohareb, recalled
what the Hashemites had done for the rise of the Arab nation and how they made
history. He pointed out the noble and just principles of the Great Arab
Revolution. He quoted His Majesty's speech when he said that as a Hashemite, he
would not cede Jerusalem. This confirms the continuation of the Hashemites'
defense of Jerusalem and its holy places.
The
chairman of the services committee, at Wehdat refugee camp Abdel Fattah al-Kuz,
highly appreciated His Majesty's contribution to the Palestinian cause and his
full support for the rights of the Palestinian people.
He
stressed that those who deny what the Hashemites had done in the reconstruction
of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and islamic and Christian holy sites, are ungrateful,
adding that "we, with our collective voice, will not accept non-Hashemite
guardians of Jerusalem and the holy places."
Dr.
Hassan Marshoud, chairman of the services committee at Al-Baqaa refugee camp,
said the camp's residents are standing
united behind His Majesty's leadership
in defending the homeland.
Royal
support for the camps, through the establishment of comprehensive development
centers, sports, and youth clubs, was valued. He also talked about the establishment
of investment projects and providing vaccines against the corona virus for camp
residents.
The
head of the advisory committee in Irbid refugee camp Hussein al-Hawari
expressed appreciation for His Majesty's role and efforts to secure support for
UNRWA.
He
pointed out His Majesty's continued efforts to support the Palestinian people
and demand for their rights in all international forums, which confirms His
Majesty's honorable position worldwide.
In a
statement at the meeting by Nasser al-Banna , chairman of the services
committee at Talibiya refugee camp, he noted the importance of continuing to
support young people and provide employment opportunities for them. The head of
the advisory commission at Madaba camp Shafiq Awad expressed his warmest
congratulations on the centenary anniversary of founding the state.
He
noted Jordan's contribution to refugees by hosting them and providing them with
services and decent livelihoods, adding that the kingdom has always been a home
for all Arabs.
The chairman
of services committee, at Jerash camp Abdul Karim Abed, thanked His Majesty for
jordan's assistance to the people of Gaza.
The head of the advisory commission at Heteen camp, Asmahan
Sarhan, pointed out the position that Jordanian women generally assumed in all
areas. She talked about several projects established to empower young men and
women in the camps.
Adnan
al-Nimruti, chairman of services committee, at Hussein Camp praised the
comprehensive reform in Jordan, the consolidation of democracy, the prevalence
of law and order and what he called "state of institutions".
He
noted the importance of His Majesty's "discussion papers" in
instigating national dialogue and forming parliamentary governments and parties
with programs to implement.
Speakers
at the meeting presented a package of requests for some services and things
related to development for the camp and their residents, most notably
increasing annual funding allotted for services and sports committees.
For his
part, the head of the Royal Hashemite Court Yusuf Hassan Al-Issawi pointed out
the implementation of many royal initiatives in the camps in the past years, at
the directions of royal decrees. He said that a team from the Royal Court
visited all camps and met with their representatives.
These
initiatives included development projects, and economic empowerment of young
men and women, social welfare, support for civil society institutions, sports
clubs, as well as the construction of several buildings, parks and housing
units to serve camp residents.
Under
the guidance of His Majesty, royal initiatives will focus in the coming period
on capital projects that will provide employment opportunities for young
people.
He said
that a meeting will be held with the services committees and advisory
commissions in the camps to follow up on the requests and suggestions by the
representatives. Moreover, all will be coordinated with the government.
The
meeting was attended by the director of His Majesty's office and His Majesty's
advisor on tribal affairs.