Region needs consensus-driven political solutions, King tells UN

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday urged the world to “work actively for consensus-driven political solutions to regional crises”.

In his remarks at the Plenary Session of the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty called for a comprehensive approach to address the security situation in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, adding that Jordan supports a united and stable Iraq, with an inclusive, national political process. 

In Syria, he said, there must be a political solution based on reforms that give all communities a role in rebuilding their country. 

In the context of Jordan’s interfaith and intrafaith harmony efforts, the King announced that the Kingdom, which is currently a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), will suggest a draft resolution that will label violations like “the aberrant new crimes against religious communities seen recently in Syria and Iraq” as genocide and crimes against humanity (see infographic on Jordan's role in the Security Council).

Following is the full text of the speech: 

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

Mr President,

Mr Secretary General, thank you;

Distinguished Heads of Delegations,

Members of the General Assembly:

What and where is global power? I say global power is here and it is ours. If our countries work as one.

This is the great promise of the General Assembly. The times demand we exercise that power, now, and to the full.

In my region, the challenges have grown significantly since I spoke here last. Those who say, “this is not our business”, are wrong. The security of every nation will be shaped by the fate of the Middle East. Together, we can and must undertake urgent humanitarian and security measures, create durable solutions for today’s crises and provide new opportunities for dialogue, reconciliation, prosperity and peace.

My friends,

The terrorists and criminals targeting Syria, Iraq and other countries today are extreme reflections of a global threat. Our international community needs a collective strategy to contain and defeat these groups.

My country is at the forefront of this effort. We are leading a number of initiatives to counter extremism. As representative of the Asia-Pacific bloc on the UN Security Council, we look for a strong outcome of the council’s Summit on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts, chaired by President Obama.

Another critical global focus must be a decisive affirmation of mutual respect, within and among religions and peoples.

The teachings of true Islam are clear: Sectarian conflict and strife are utterly condemned. Islam prohibits violence against Christians and other communities that make up each country. Let me say once again: Arab Christians are an integral part of my region’s past, present and future.

I call on Muslim and other leaders to work together against falsehoods and divisive actions. Jordan is honoured to have spearheaded global interfaith and intrareligious initiatives. Building on this, Jordan will introduce a draft resolution covering the general proposition that a new international offence, falling under the crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity, be considered, on the basis of the aberrant new crimes against religious communities seen recently in Syria and Iraq.

Together, let us also address the conditions that extremists exploit. Radicalisation thrives on injustice, insecurity and marginalisation. This assembly’s “Transformative Development Agenda” can give the world’s people a better way forward, through concrete programmes and investments that will change lives.

My friends,

We must also work actively for consensus-driven political solutions to regional crises. The security situation in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon must be addressed comprehensively. Jordan supports a united and stable Iraq, with an inclusive, national political process. In Syria, there must be a political solution based on reforms that give all communities a role in rebuilding their country. International influence is vital, to get the moderate opposition and the regime back to the negotiating table immediately.

The heavy flow of Syrian refugees continues. My country is sheltering nearly 1.4 million Syrians. We are now the world’s third largest host of refugees. This is placing an overwhelming burden on Jordan’s people, infrastructure and already limited resources.

The refugee crisis is a recognised global responsibility and demands a global solution. To date, the response has not kept pace with the real needs. There must be a concerted effort to get humanitarian assistance flowing inside Syria, and to support host countries and communities, including Jordan.

My friends,

We cannot address the future of my region without addressing its central conflict: the denial of Palestinian rights and statehood.

This year, yet again, we have seen a dangerous halt in the progress towards peace and a Palestinian state. Instead, in Gaza, we have seen another violent detour into conflict. How shall we heal the families who have lost so much? How shall we offer hope to young people whose futures are at risk?

A first, imperative step is to mobilise international efforts to rebuild Gaza. As we do so, we must also marshal the united, global response needed to achieve a once-and-for-all, lasting settlement. Such action can create the environment necessary to relaunch finAl status negotiations on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative.

This approach offers a clear path, the only path, to a comprehensive settlement — based on the two-state solution, and international legitimacy and terms of reference. For Israel, security and normal diplomatic and economic relations with Arab and Muslim states. For Palestinians, a viable, independent, sovereign state, along the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Unilateral actions that seek to pre-empt negotiations must end. Jordan strongly opposes threats to Jerusalem’s Arab Muslim and Christian identity. As Hashemite custodian of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian holy sites, I will continue to oppose any violation of Al Aqsa Mosque’s sanctity.

My friends,

The people of Palestine seek what all humanity seeks. It is the common cause of this General Assembly: justice, dignity, opportunity and hope.

This is our global responsibility, it is in our global power and we must make it our global reality. Jordan stands ready to do its part.

Thank you.