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November 2, 2014 Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 5871

Jordanian King 'Abdallah II: It Is Our Religious And Humanitarian Duty To Confront The Extremist Organizations That Instigate Sectarian Wars And Distort The Image Of Islam

November 2, 2014
Jordan | Inquiry & Analysis Series No. 5871

In a November 2, 2014 speech marking the opening of the new session of parliament, King 'Abdallah II addressed domestic matters, including political reforms and economic projects, and also touched on international and regional affairs. Speaking of "a number of takfiri organizations" that are threatening the region, he said that they are the enemies of Islam and the Muslims, and the war against them "is our war, because we are targeted, and we must defend ourselves, Islam, and the values of tolerance and moderation by fighting extremism and terrorists."

Mentioning the situation in Jerusalem, he said that Jordan would continue to confront "Israel’s unilateral policies and measures in Jerusalem" by all available means and to protect the holy sites, both Muslim and Christian. He also underlined Jordan's commitment to rebuilding Gaza "following the vile Israeli aggression," and called to renew the final status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, leading to a permanent peace on the basis of a two-state solution – lest the absence of a just solution feed extremism and terrorism.

Addressing the Syria crisis, he reiterated that "the only solution is a comprehensive political one," adding that the absence of such a solution will intensify sectarian strife across the region.

Finally, he saluted the Jordanian army, stressing its "commitment to defend the causes of the Arab nation, its soil and security against all threats," because "Jordan’s security is part and parcel of the security of brotherly Arab countries."

The following are excerpts from an English translation of the speech published in The Jordan Times:[1]


(Image: jordantimes.com)

"Jordan Will Continue To Confront, Through All Available Means, Israel’s Unilateral Policies And Measures In Jerusalem"

"Despite all challenges, Jordan did not and will not allow difficulties and regional turmoil to be an excuse to hesitate in moving forward with comprehensive reforms. For we have never regarded reform as a reaction to difficult circumstances. For Jordan, reform is a homegrown national aspiration, which consolidates national unity, pluralism, moderation, widens participation, deepens democracy and enroots our parliamentary government system...

"Jordan has always shouldered its moral and humanitarian responsibilities on matters that threaten regional and international security. Jordan will continue to deploy its international status and membership in the UN Security Council in the service of the causes of our Arab and Muslim nation...

"The Palestinian cause remains our principal cause and is a higher national interest. Jerusalem, whose soil is watered by the blood and sacrifices of our martyrs, is a responsibility that lies in the depth of our conscience. Jordan will continue to confront, through all available means, Israel’s unilateral policies and measures in Jerusalem and preserve its Muslim and Christian holy sites, until peace is restored to the land of peace.

"We will continue to mobilize international support to rebuild Gaza, following the vile Israeli aggression, which killed thousands of our Palestinian brethren and destroyed their livelihoods.

"In order for such an aggression not to repeat itself again, final status negotiations must be resumed, leading to a permanent peace on the basis of a two-state solution according to international terms of reference and the Arab Peace Initiative, allowing Palestinians to establish their independent state on their national soil with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"As for the Syrian crisis, we reiterate that the only solution is a comprehensive political one, realized through the participation of all components of the Syrian people, assuring the country’s unity and stability. The absence of such a solution will intensify sectarian strife on the regional level. Similarly, the absence of a just and permanent solution for the Palestinian cause will feed extremism and terrorism.

"Jordan has fulfilled its pan-Arab and humanitarian responsibilities towards our Syrian refugee brethren. Although we truly appreciate all the support received from our brothers and friends, the amount of international support does not rise to the level of the crisis and the implications of hosting Syrian refugees. The international community must shoulder its responsibilities in providing assistance to refugees, Jordan and local host communities..."

The Takfiri Organizations In The Region Are Murdering Muslims And Innocents In The Name Of Islam; Islam Has Nothing To Do With Them

"Our region is suffering from a number of organizations that embrace an extremist takfiri ideology, and are murdering Muslims as well as innocent women and children in the name of Islam, but Islam has nothing to do with this. Islam is a faith of peace, tolerance, moderation, acceptance of the other and respect for the rights of all to live in peace and dignity, regardless of color, gender, religion or belief. These organizations are waging war against Islam and Muslims above all else.

"Our religious and humanitarian duty demands that we confront with strength and firmness all those who try to instigate sectarian wars or distort the image of Islam and Muslims. Accordingly, the war on these terrorist organizations and their radical ideology is our war because we are targeted and we must defend ourselves, Islam, and the values of tolerance and moderation by fighting extremism and terrorists. Everyone who supports this extremist takfiri ideology or tries to justify it is an enemy of Islam, the homeland and all noble human values. At the same time, the international community must confront extremism in other religions and sects..."

The Jordanian Army Is "Ready To Confront All Threats To Our National Security And The Security Of Our Neighboring Brothers, Because Arab Security Is Indivisible"

"The advanced level of liberties and progressive environment of political and social participation, which Jordan uniquely enjoys amidst a tumultuous region, is the result of security and stability gains, which our comrades in the armed forces and security agencies have made many sacrifices to preserve. We salute them with pride and appreciation. I tell you, brave soldiers, the motto that you wear on your uniforms, “The Arab Army”, is not just a slogan, nor did it come by coincidence. It is a testament of this army’s commitment to defend the causes of the Arab nation, its soil and security against all threats. Jordan’s security is part and parcel of the security of brotherly Arab countries. The Arab Army, and their comrades in security institutions, will remain — as always — ready to confront all threats to our national security and the security of our neighboring brothers because Arab security is indivisible...

"And Jordan will forever remain a model of coexistence, compassion and solidarity between all its citizens, Muslims and Christians, and a safe haven for brothers in need, advocating righteousness and never hesitating in fighting extremism, intolerance and terrorism resolutely."

 

Endnotes:

 

[1] The Jordan Times (Jordan), November 2, 2014.

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