Jordan and the Middle East Peace Process

The situation in the Middle East deteriorated after an international crisis management approach failed to end the escalation in the Palestinian territories. The approach only helped postpone the current political and security turmoil in the region. Since this approach only dealt with symptoms rather than causes of the conflict, "conflict resolution" is now urgently needed.

Jordan believes that the focus and attention of the international community must be directed at solving, without any delay or procrastination, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a prelude to solving, comprehensively, the broader Arab-Israeli conflict.

Jordan believes that irrational actions and inevitable reactions help destroy the prospects of peace in the Middle East. The time has come to focus on a sustained political process that goes all the way to provide the Palestinian people with a credible alternative. Arab states and Palestinians themselves have lost interest in an open-ended and incremental process that provides no clear vision for an end game. The end game should be clear right from the start.

Furthermore, ending the violence, and implementing the Tenet Plan and the Mitchell Report Recommendations are important steps in the right direction. The Palestinian commitment to carry out institutional reforms and fight terrorism should be reciprocated with an Israeli commitment and action to end the occupation of Palestinian cities and towns, stop incursions and cease all military operations in order to prepare the right and positive environment for re-initiating the peace process on the Israeli-Palestinian track.

Jordan believes excessive force applied by Israel against the Palestinian people since the Autumn of 2001 must come to an immediate end. Additionally an international monitoring mechanism should be allowed on the ground, to ensure that both parties are performing the obligations that they undertook under various previous agreements and guarantee the implementation thereof and uncover possible violations of international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Jordan believes a time-lined resumed Peace Process with defined terms of reference and a clear end point based on the original terms of reference (United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 425 and the Land for Peace formulae), the Arab Peace Initiative of the Beirut Summit, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1397 should be launched as soon as possible. In this context, Jordan fully supports the views expressed by His Excellency Mr. George Bush, the President of the United States of America, on 24 June 2002, in which the US President outlined his views for an end game at the Palestinian-Israeli track to include the establishment of a Palestinian State by mid 2005 next to the State of Israel in the West Bank and Gaza.

Jordan supports efforts being made through the Quartet to draw up a clear roadmap leading to the implementation of US President George W. Bush's Vision. Furthermore, Jordan supports the evolution of the road map and is hopeful that when announced and endorsed by the Quartet, it will constitute an integral part of international legitimacy and will assume a status that is binding upon all. Jordan emphasizes that the road map ought to be viewed as a package that is to be accepted as such in its totality or rejected in its totality. No room should be left for any party to pick and choose elements of the road map and reject others. Jordan is content that the road map has been extended beyond the Palestinian-Israeli track and aspires to achieve a comprehensive solution at the Syrian and Lebanese-Israeli tracks too by mid 2005. Jordan has been working to include the Arab Peace initiative as one of the terms of reference for the resumed Peace Process. Jordan believes that the US role is critical and indispensable in complementing and sustaining the efforts of Arab states towards achieving an end to violence and movement towards political talks.

Jordan, while pushing for the inclusion of five elements into the final document, which is still under preparation, has been urging all parties to deal positively with the evolving Mideast roadmap for the establishment of a Palestinian state by 2005.

On November 24th, 2002 in remarks to the press, His Excellency Dr. Marwan Muasher named these elements as such:

1- Comprehensiveness: Three-year deadline for the establishment of a Palestinian state should also apply to a settlement on Syrian and Lebanese tracks.
2- Arab Initiative: The peace initiative adopted by the 2002 Arab Summit should be one of the main bases for the new peace process, with UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397, and the Madrid Peace Conference.
3- Monitoring Mechanism: Representatives of the Quartet of mediators should act as judges to ensure compliance by both Palestinians and Israelis at all times.
4- Settlements Freeze: The roadmap must demand an immediate full freeze of all Israeli settlement activities.
5- Mutual Commitment: Israel's commitments must be specified as clearly as Palestinian Commitments. - (see full text)

Moreover, Jordan believes that the continuation of the current situation will have dangerous regional implications that will undermine previous accomplishments. It also believes that Israel can reach a final settlement with the Palestinians through only one partner: the Palestinian Authority and its legitimate leadership.

The Arab Peace Initiative:

The Arab world expressed, through the Arab Peace Plan that was adopted by all Arab states in the Arab Summit meeting held in Beirut in March 2002, its readiness to collectively end the conflict with Israel, provide security for all the states in the region on the basis of a collective peace treaty with Israel, establish normal relations with Israel and reach an agreeable and negotiated solution to the refugee problem. Israel on the other hand would have to fully withdraw from all territories occupied in 1967, accept the establishment of a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, and achieve a just and agreed solution to the refugee problem.

We believe this initiative satisfactorily addresses the needs of both Arabs and Israelis, and should constitute one of the main foundations for a political settlement.

Refugees:

The refugee problem, a vital Jordanian concern and interest, is considered as one of the country's most important issues in the final status negotiations. Jordan hosts 41% of Palestinian Refugees and 90% of Displaced Persons (DPs).

A vast majority of refugees and DPs are Jordanian citizens who retain historic rights in Palestine. The Jordanian citizenship was granted to those refugees and DPs as a result of the Declaration of Unity between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the West Bank in 1950.

Nevertheless, the Jordanian citizenship does not annul or reduce the rights of refugees in their homeland. Jordanian citizenship was not imposed on refugees, and was never granted in return for forfeiting their rights as refugees.

Jordan recognizes the refugee issue as a final status matter that is to be negotiated between the Palestinians and Israelis. However, Jordan's legal standing, interests and legitimate concerns should not be ignored. Jordan cannot be expected to consent to unacceptable solutions on Refugees and DPs, nor to enforce such solutions on its citizenship and must therefore have a central role in the political and economic settlement of this problem which should recognize the right of refugees and DPs in Jordan to return and be adequately compensated.

Jordan has shouldered huge economic burdens as a result of the refugee problem and its absorptive capacity has been exhausted. Therefore, Jordan will not allow for any additional numbers of refugees to be added to the existing numbers and will not grant nationality to any new refugees.

Refugees/ More illustrated:

The Rights of Refugees:

Refugees who have the Jordanian citizenship expect the State to protect their basic right of return and compensation in accordance with international law. Jordan has the legal capacity to negotiate their rights as per Article (8) of the Jordanian-Israeli Peace Treaty which committed both sides to seek a solution to the refugees problem "in negotiations, in a framework to be agreed upon, bilateral or other agreements in conjunction with and at the same time as the permanent status negotiations," and in the Multilateral Working Group on Refugees.

The Right of Return:

Jordan's position is based on U.N. resolutions, specifically resolution 194 which calls for the return of refugees to their homes and their compensation. Accordingly, establishing the right of return is the basic element to solving the problem and constitutes a very important psychological factor for the individual refugee.

Establishing the principle of the right of return will allow refugees to exercise their freedom of choice: whether to return or to remain where they have already settled in the last fifty years.

Individual compensation:

Compensations should be paid to the refugees for the loss and damage of movable and immovable property, and for loss of domicile. It should also include compensation for the suffering and emotional and psychological harm incurred regardless of whether they choose to return or not.

The Rights of Displaced Persons:

Displaced persons have a strong case to return according to UNSC Resolution 237, which calls on Israel to facilitate their return. Furthermore, article (8) of The Jordanian-Israeli Peace Treaty provides for the resolution of the DPs problem in accordance with international law.

Such a solution should be reached within appropriate forums, including but not limited to, the Quadripartite Committee on Displaced Persons, which includes Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinians.

DPs right to return also has a legal base under international law principles, which hold these States responsible for committing injurious acts against them. These displaced persons are expected to return to the West Bank and Gaza, i.e. to the future Palestinian State.

State Compensation:

Jordan will seek compensation for the actual cost incurred for hosting Palestinian refugees since 1948 and DPs since 1967, taking into consideration the cost of services, loss in agricultural land, cost of infrastructure, depleted resources, collectively owned enterprises, and civil institutions.

Refugee camps should be removed, and in order to rehabilitate and integrate refugees who choose to remain in Jordan, the costs must include land, housing, infrastructure, and the needed human and economic development programs. The full integration of Palestinian refugees necessitates the elimination of all poverty areas in the country, which include but are not limited to refugee camps.

Official Statements Made in Relation to the Official Jordanian Position on the Peace Process:

In his WEF closing remarks at the Dead Sea on June 23rd, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that “Our meeting has succeeded in bringing Palestinians and Israelis together to talk. They spoke about peace and reconciliation, but they also discussed the environment and water. The dialogue affirmed their shared humanity... and shared destiny.” - (see full text)

In his WEF opening remarks at the Dead Sea on June 21st, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that “The friends of peace - within the region and around the world - must stay the course. That means real commitment that will test our leadership, resources, and our deepest morality. “ - (see full text)

During the annual conference of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva on June 12th, 2003, and following the flare-up in violence in the region since the Aqaba Peace Summit, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that “Our region sits at a critical crossroads... the friends of peace must now stay the course. At the end of the day, we will need the full energies of regional and international leaders, working in real partnership, if we are to achieve a future of peace, security and coexistence.” - (see full text)

During an interview with ABC's Peter Jennings following the Aqaba peace summit on June 4th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that “the [Palestinian] president is going to have to obviously give his government the full support. If he doesn't and if there is a fracturing of unity inside the Palestinian arena, it's going to be the Palestinians that are going to pay the price.” - (see full text)

At the Aqaba peace summit on June 4th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II told the Palestinian and Israeli premiers and US President George W. Bush that “Today we have the opportunity and obligation to reinstate faith in the process, and to reinvigorate hopes for a better tomorrow. We simply cannot afford the alternative.” “And remember, that in the pursuit of these noble goals, Jordan will always remain a true friend.
His Majesty called on the Palestinian and Israeli premiers to view the compromises they made in Sharm El Sheikh the day before and will make in future direct negotiations not as “painful concessions,” but rather as “peace offerings.” - (see full text)

During an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour on the Aqaba peace summit on June 4th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that commitment “is going to be difficult, and we expect to have bumps in the road. But I'm pretty convinced that there's going to be an effort. And, again, the United States is going to put a lot of pressure to make sure Israelis and Palestinians commit to what they've said today.” - (see full text)

In his address at the Crete mid-term Conference of the Foreign Ministers of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership on May 26th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “Jordan welcomes the formal announcement and acceptance by all parties of the Roadmap without any amendments to its text and is hopeful that such an announcement would constitute a fresh and healthy beginning that will allow relaunching the Peace Process on solid bases.”
He added that “Jordan is, nevertheless, mindful of the fact that the acceptance of the Roadmap is not sufficient to reach those objectives and understands that the existence of a firm commitment to implement the Roadmap by the members of the Quartet is essential.” - (see full text)

His Majesty King Abdullah in his address to the nation on May 25th, 2003 on the occasion of Independence Day, said that “We will continue to support our Palestinian brethren, in their stance regarding the “roadmap,” that shall lead to the establishment of their independent Palestinian state, on Palestinian soil.” - (see full text)

During a press conference with US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Amman on May 13th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “We believe the time has come for all parties to accept the Road Map. The Arab party has done that, the Palestinians have done that. It is very important to move both on the security aspect of the problem... .”
He added that “At the same time, we also believe that Israel has to accept the Road Map if we are to work within a clear framework and if we are to implement the President's vision of a two-state solution in three years.” - (see full text)

In remarks at The Center For Strategic And International Studies in Washington on April 29th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “What we need today is a serious process that will affect the lives of people and that will give them hope that we are finally on the road towards ending this long-standing conflict.” - (see full text)

During a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in Washington on April 28th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “I am very encouraged by what I heard from the secretary about the president's [U.S. President George W. Bush's] resolve to get ahead with the road map.”
He added that “We [Jordan] support the new Palestinian government, and we intend to work with it in order to make sure that the proper conditions are created on the ground that would help in relaunching the peace process.” - (see full text)

During an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour on April 27th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “There is always an argument from the Israeli point of view that there's a security issue on the ground. And we need to get beyond that as quickly as possible, because as long as you keep security as an obstacle, you'll never be able to develop the political process. “ - (see full text)

During an interview with NBC's Meet The Press on April 27th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “What the United States needs to do is to have the commitment to see it [the Road Map] through so that both parties meet their commitments on that role. I think everybody has a role to play.” - (see full text)

In a New York Times editorial, published on April 26th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher writes, "the Arab world, Israel and the United States; all have responsibilities they must assume."
With regards to the Arab-Israeli conflict he writes, "Arab leaders must finally take a public stand against suicide bombings. The truth needs to be clearly stated: suicide bombings have only hurt the Palestinian cause."
Muasher adds that "The United States has responsibilities, too... The United States cannot afford to give the impression that it has no tolerance for Palestinian inaction, but plenty of tolerance for Israel's continued settlement expansion and for prolonging the inhumane conditions under which the Palestinians live." - (see full text)

During an interview with CNNs Larry King Live on March 27th, 2003, Foreign Minister Dr. Marwan Muasher said that "it is also, very important to also pay attention to the other conflict in our region, the Arab-Israeli conflict. And both the president [US President, George W. Bush] and Prime Minister Blair are very well - very aware of this point. And in fact, in their meeting at Camp David, they have discussed the need to move ahead with the roadmap and to pay serious attention to the Arab-Israeli conflict, as well." - (see full text)

On March 17th, 2003, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher in an interview with the Los Angeles Times said that, “It would be catastrophic to have two open wounds at the same time. Nothing the international community does in Iraq will ease the pressure without movement on the peace process." "Not only movement, but movement to end the conflict, to reach a settlement in three years - nothing short of that will ease the tensions." - (see full text)

On March 11th, 2003, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher, in an interview with The Washington Times said, “The number one issue we all feel in the region needs to be addressed is the Arab-Israeli conflict." "There is nothing that will ease the pressure in the region other than this." - (see full text)

In his address to the Arab Summit in Sharm El Sheikh on March 1st, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Jordan has stressed to the US that the roadmap may fail to see the light if all parties did not endorse it as a whole package. Today, we stress the importance of the publication of this roadmap, as well as securing international commitment to implement it in the nearest possible time, especially after the US has taken a decision to postpone it till after the Israeli elections.” - (see full text)

On February 24th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah, in a speech delivered on his behalf by HRH Prince Faisal at the opening session of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) conference in Kuala Lumpur, said "In this crisis, Jordanians have once again reached out with full hearts. Our country serves as the Palestinians' only conduit for humanitarian supplies, food, blood for transfusions, even medical assistance. But all the humanitarian assistance in the world cannot substitute for the conditions of freedom and peace that are the basis of life and hope." - (see full text)

On January 26th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah, in his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said that “After all the progress at the negotiating tables, and there have been successes, the reality remains: A deadly cycle of violence."
“To rebuild trust - perhaps, the thought that we can do this, seems daring. But diplomatic daring is exactly what the present crisis needs. A clear road to a stable, lasting peace now exists. With clear, committed leadership from Washington, the vast majority of Palestinians and Israelis will choose coexistence and peace.” - (see full text)

H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher, calling for more active international attention and focus on bringing an end to the stalemate on the Palestinian-Israeli track and resuming the Peace talks, in Jordan's speech before the Fifty-Seventh Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 15th, 2002 reiterated Jordan's view that “The current situation in the Middle East region is extremely dangerous. The whole landscape constantly changes to the worse, especially in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.” - (see full text)

Jordan's position regarding the Arab Peace Plan was emphasized by Foreign Minister, Dr. Marwan Muasher in an article written by the Minister, in which he said “I suggest that the Arab initiative unanimously endorsed in Beirut in March of this year [2002] is a very serious attempt to squarely face the needs of both sides (Palestinian and Israeli), and to satisfactorily address them. Consider the language of the Arab initiative regarding Israeli needs:” - (see full text)

His Majesty King Abdullah II voiced Jordan's unequivocal belief and demand that “The international community must address itself to solve, without delay, the Arab-Israeli conflict.” His majesty went on to say, in a speech addressing the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum on February 3rd, 2002 that “The present situation in the Palestinian areas is very dangerous, and requires immediate international intervention to help steer the parties from the brink.” - (see full text)