Germany sees Jordan as voice of reason in Middle East — diplomat

AMMAN — Germany and Jordan share a number of common visions on the challenges of today, including regional turmoil, German Ambassador to Jordan Ralph Tarraf said Wednesday.

In a speech at a reception celebrating Germany’s unity day at King Hussein Club, Tarraf praised Jordan’s reliability as a partner and a constructive voice of reason and moderation in the Middle East. 

“We agree that we have to step up our efforts to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population caught in the conflicts,” an embassy statement quoted the ambassador as saying. 

“We agree that we have to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people in need and to support host communities affected by a large influx of refugees,” Tarraf added. 

“We also agree that at the end of the day, and despite the challenges on the battlefield, we will need a political solution to the challenges in Syria and Iraq.”

Germany will continue to support Jordan on these challenges, the ambassador said. 

To help alleviate the burden of the Syria crisis, Germany has allocated more than 300 million euros (around JD269 million) in humanitarian assistance in 2013 and 2014, of which 50 million euros was directed to Syrian refugees in the Kingdom, according to the statement. 

Germany has also stepped up ongoing development cooperation with Jordan in the water sector: In 2013 and 2014, more that 300 million euros in additional funds was allocated to that end.

On October 3, Germany celebrates its reunification. 

“This year, the anniversary of the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990 coincides with a number of significant anniversaries,” the statement said, citing 100 years since the outbreak of World War I, 75 years since the start of World War II, 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall and 10 years since the successful eastward enlargement of the EU. 

“All these events had a deep impact on Germany, Europe and often the whole world. The convergence of all these anniversaries gives 2014 a unique historical dimension,” the embassy said. 

One of the lessons learned from the past 100 years is — as German Foreign Minister Steinmeier said earlier this year — the necessity of “having a sober view not only of one’s own interests, but also those of one’s neighbours and partners; acting responsibly and thinking about consequences with a level-head are vital to safeguarding peace”.  

In this light, Germany will host a conference in Berlin on refugees in the Levant, which is currently being prepared in close coordination between Germany and Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, the statement said.