Jordan, Iran stress disputes over Middle East peace, UAE islands
Jordan-Iran, Politics, 6/21/1999

The meeting held on Sunday in Amman between Jordan's King Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has revealed a new phase in Jordanian- Iranian relations, based on strengthening bilateral economic and political relations and "alienating" points of dispute on regional matters, especially the Middle East peace process and the question of the three United Arab Emirates islands.

In the meeting which was held in the presence of the chairman of the Jordanian royal court, Abdul Karim al-Kabareiti, and Foreign Minister Abdil Illah al-Khatib, the Jordanian king called for pursuing "a preventive diplomacy" that would stand against the occurrence of conflicts among the countries of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

He added that his country's attempt to "eliminate all causes of tension in the region so all sides will be able to build up and construction operations away from wasting efforts in armament and in disputes."

He asserted his country's intention "to develop relations with Iran and to improve these relations on solid grounds, based on exchanged respect and common interests." The Jordanian king asserted his country's desire to maintain Arab-Iranian "correct, strong relations and eliminate all obstacles impeding these relations."

In a press conference he held following the meeting with King Abdullah Kharazi stressed his country's backing for "the new Jordanian policy which is based on strengthening relations with the Islamic states." He added that "certain disputes in viewpoints" would not prevent cooperation on the "bilateral and regional levels." However, the disputes over regional matters were clear, especially in regard to the Middle East peace process and the UAE islands.

Replying to a question, the Iranian FM said the Middle East peace process "is among the points of disagreement between us." He stressed that his country "will not back the peace track because it does not guarantee the Palestinian rights."

He renewed his country's position concerning the three UAE islands, saying that this matter "is bilateral and does not need mediation."

For his part, Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib stressed his country's support for the Middle East peace process and the position of the UAE towards the three islands. But he viewed any "improvement in the relations between Jordan and Iran will contribute to strengthening and improving Arab - Iranian relations."

The Jordanian minister said the two countries agreed on the need to preserve Iraq's territorial integrity and lift the sufferings of the Iraqi people who "paid a dear price as a result of the siege." The Iranian minister added that the two sides agreed nonintervention in the internal affairs of Iraq.

Replying to a question on his country's position concerning the US project to topple the Iraqi government, considered that as "a rejected intervention." He added, "No foreign country has the right to interfere from the outside. The Iraqi people should have their say in regard to the ruling system."

As he denied any Jordanian mediation concerning the Jewish Iranians suspended under the charges of spying for Israel, Kharazi stressed reiterated that the case includes "Jews and non-Jews."

Jordan has ignored a mediation request concerning the Jewish detainees by the Israeli ambassador in Amman.

Kharazi stressed settlement of all unresolved issues between the two countries, including the previous Iranian accusations to Jordan in supporting "Mujahideen." He said, "There are no disputes over this matter." He described this group (Mujahideen Khalq) as terrorist and said, "The Jordanian government fights all forms of terrorism."

Kharazi welcomed the success of the Qatari mediation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He said, "Strengthening relations among the region's states should not be a source of concern."

Previous Stories:
  Jordan ignores Israel's request to mediate to release Jews in Iran   (6/17/1999)
  Iran FM to arrive in Jordan on Saturday   (6/16/1999)
  Iranian FM to visit Lebanon, Jordan   (6/1/1999)

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