King: So-called "alternative homeland" an illusion

[Published 23 February 2014]

Petra Jordan News Agency

http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=141267

Amman, February 23 (Petra) -- His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Sunday, said whenever there is a serious effort towards resolving the Palestinian issue, a talk about the so-called "alternative homeland" is revived and stressed that "Jordan is Jordan and Palestine is Palestine and nothing but that, not the in the past or the future."

In a meeting with the Prime Minister, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Lower House, the President of the Judicial Council, the President of the Constitutional Court, and members of the permanent offices of both chambers of the parliament, the King said he wanted to discuss this issue before his recent visit to the United States, but chose not to "so no one would say that after my visit to America, things have changed and something new happened."

Commenting on the so-called "alternative homeland", the King said: "We know how this issue has been surfacing since 15 years, or even more, where things start in the spring by the same group, who tense the Jordanian society, and by the summer, people feel scared; a thing that makes me reassure them by a speech or a press interview, but this year, unfortunately, the talk about the so-called alternative homeland stated early." What this group has been doing is "sedition", His Majesty said, adding:" There are more important issues to focus on, especially with regards to political and economic reform. What we should do is to work as a team until we work out our internal issues.

"We know this group and if this issue is repeated next year, we will declare who they are by name," King Abdullah added, calling on all citizens to respond to those who promote the so-called alternative homeland.

"This, God's willing, will be the last time we talk about this subject, and I have said it more than once, but what is required now is everyone's support in this issue." In this context, the King affirmed that Jordan's position is very strong and the Kingdom is well posted on all developments related to the Palestinian-Israeli talks and the future of Palestine.

He said he was surprised with those who say assistance granted to Jordan is used to pressure the Kingdom to make concessions, saying: "We will not accept anything that tampers with the future of our people and our homeland."

Jordan is cooperating with the United States to help the Palestinians and Israelis reach a peace settlement, adding that the U.S. consults with Jordan in all mediation efforts.

King Abdullah said Jordan is familiar with all the details of the negotiations related to final status issues, especially “Jerusalem, the refugees, borders, water and security." He pointed out that Jordan helps all parties to support prospects for achieving peace in the Middle East.