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Jordan ready to help rebuild Gaza — Judeh

By Petra - Aug 28,2014 - Last updated at Aug 28,2014

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Thursday expressed Jordan’s readiness to provide all required assistance to support Gaza’s rebuilding efforts after an open-ended ceasefire was reached.

Speaking at a meeting with US congressional aides, Judeh said Jordan welcomes the truce, stressing the need to send urgent humanitarian and relief aid to the coastal enclave. 

They also reviewed the results of the Israeli war on Gaza.

The foreign minister highlighted Jordan’s diplomatic and political efforts that were aimed at halting the Israeli attacks on Gaza, in addition to supporting all similar endeavours, especially the Egyptian mediation.

He called for intensifying international efforts to resume peace negotiations, arriving at the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the June 4, 1976 border, in accordance with the adopted international terms of reference and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The meeting also covered the latest developments in Syria and the need to reach an inclusive political solution that guarantees its unity.

In addition, Judeh expressed Jordan’s support for all efforts that bolster the unity of the Iraqi people.

He briefed the congressional aides on Jordan’s reform drive, stressing that the Kingdom is committed to moving ahead with the process despite the regional turmoil.

Both sides praised Jordanian-US ties and expressed keenness to develop them, with Judeh thanking the US for its support to the Kingdom at all levels.

The delegates commended the “key Jordanian role” towards achieving regional peace and stability. 

They also praised the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts to host Syrian refugees despite economic difficulties.

Planning Minister Ibrahim Saif also met with the delegates and briefed them on the economic challenges facing Jordan and the reform measures planned to address them, including the 10-year blueprint currently being prepared.

He called for further international assistance to Jordan as it continues to host Syrian refugees, adding an extra burden on its resources.

Discussing the planned US assistance to Jordan in the coming stage, Saif said the aid should correspond with national priorities, giving Jordan a competitive edge and ensuring that development gains are equally distributed to all governorates.

Total US aid to Jordan for this year is projected to reach around $1 billion, including $436 million in cash grants to support the budget.

The congressional aides commended Jordan’s reform drive, which has made the Kingdom a regional model to be followed.

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