Jordanian King opens the economic zone in al-Aqaba
Jordan, Economics, 5/18/2001

The Jordanian King Abdullah who on Thursday officially opened the economic zone project in al-Aqaba has stated that there is no peace in the region before Syria and Lebanon restore back their occupied territories and the Palestinians win back all their legitimate rights.

In an interview issued today by the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am the Jordanian King said " Israel has to realize that security and stability are not attainable in the region."

He said that his next visit to Kuwait does not fall in the context of a " mediation" between Kuwait and Iraq, adding " this, however, will not prevent talking about everything of concern to the countries and the case between Kuwait and Iraq is important and we hope to reach a solution for it that furnish for clear future relations built on honoring the other, his sovereignty and rights."

The King has denied that the government of Sharon constitutes a danger on Jordan. " we are a stable state which has self- confidence in its own capabilities and the capabilities of its people," he said.

He explained:" However, there will be a danger on the region as a whole unless Israel shoulders its responsibilities and abide by its obligations and ends the aggression as to resume the negotiations with the aim to reach a just and comprehensive peace in the region."

Meanwhile, a celebration was held on Thursday by launching the special economic zone in al-Aqaba, attended by some 200 Arab and foreign businessmen, diplomats and officials as well as 177 Jordanian economic figures.

Chairman of the council of the area's commissioners Muhammad al-Kalaldah and the five commissioners, members of the council gave explanations to the audiences about the project which will be established on an area of 380 square kilometers, aiming at making al-Aqaba. The only sea outlet for Jordan, a regional trade center through attracting investments at a value of USD 6 billion by the fall of the year 2002.

The al-Aqaba commissioners council has recently established the Aqaba- Inc company at a capital of 150-200 million USD with the aim of developing the area with a strategic partner to be selected by the mid of next May at an International donation.

Since the unofficial inauguration of the special economic zone in the mid of February, some 500 companies, with the majority of them are Jordanians are working in that Zone, making use of the privileges ensured by this Zone.

Previous Stories:
  Syrian- Jordanian oil talks   (5/17/2001)
  Jordanian monarch calls for establishing joint projects with Egypt   (5/7/2001)
  Oil pipeline between Jordan, Iraq in 2002   (4/30/2001)

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