Kingdom remembers Nov. 9 terror victims

AMMAN – His Majesty King Abdullah said Sunday that Jordan has kept its anti-terrorism drive in “defence of Islam and the innocents”.

In a post on his Facebook page, His Majesty paid tribute to the martyrs who fell in the November 9, 2005 terror attacks targeting three Amman hotels, where dozens of people were killed and more than 100 injured.

“As much as this anniversary stirs in us the feelings of pain and anger, it also exposes the true nature of extremism and terrorism that we fight in defence of Islam and the innocents.”

“With every day that passed after this painful event, Jordan has been gaining strength and immunity, thanks to the efforts of its faithful people who have shown a high level awareness, loyalty, coherence and unity, and to the brave people in our armed forces and security agencies.”

The coordinated attacks were perpetrated by Al Qaeda’s Iraq branch led by the slain Abu Mussab Al Zarqawi. 

In the same context, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said at a press conference held in Amman: “This is a sad day as we remember that ugly incident.” 

The press conference was attended by Interior Minister Hussein Majali and Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani.

In the name of Islam a wedding reception hall was targeted, Ensour said, adding that such an incident and similar hundreds of incidents all over the world only harmed the image of Islam, as a small group of extremists gave an impression that Muslims are the enemies of the advanced and civilised world. 

The premier urged Jordanians to be vigilant and united in the face of terrorists, who he said are trying to destroy entire countries in the region. 

During the press conference, the premier talked about the democratic process in Jordan, stressing that the government is committed to boosting democracy. 

He also defended the performance of the Lower House against what he described as “unjust” campaigns against the House, which “threaten the democratic experience”.  

He urged journalists and media outlets to highlight both achievements and setbacks in a balanced, professional manner that ultimately serves the interests of the country.