Jordanian Position on the Iraqi Issue

Jordan believes that it is of paramount importance that a credible and broadly-based Iraqi government emerges and emphasizes that such a government ought to be representative of all shades of the Iraqi political horizon.

Such a government has to emerge as soon as possible and it has to be the product of a constitution accepted and approved by the Iraqi people.

Furthermore, this government has to be effective and able to rule the country and ensure its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and to work towards the resumption of Iraq's prominent natural position regionally and internationally with a clear commitment to live in peace and harmony with its neighboring countries.

Jordan's belief is firm that the Iraqi people must solely determine their future, including the choice of their leadership which has to largely emanate from within Iraq, and Jordan will accept what the Iraqi people consent to and will respect its free democratic choice and will exert every effort in enabling the Iraqi people to exercise their right to self determination.

Furthermore, Jordan believes that the international community and the United Nations should have a pivotal and central role in Iraq, including active political participation in the next phase that transcends the humanitarian aspect in order to safeguard and guarantee that any Iraqi government that emerges in the future would have international as well as domestic legitimacy.

In this context Jordan believes that the United Nations and countries neighboring Iraq must assume a supervisory role in the elections that will be held to establish a permanent Iraqi government.

Such supervision and participation would ensure transparency and impartiality and would offset foreign intervention in the process of choosing a permanent Iraqi government.

In the meantime, Jordan is committed to continue its leading efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people and to utilize its territory as a transit point through which humanitarian assistance is channeled to Iraq from different countries and international organizations. And Jordan is keen on continuing and consolidating its solid historic relations with the Iraqi people and committed to developing it further in all aspects.

Jordan's Position at the 16^th Arab Summit

Tunis, May 22-23, 2004

Jordan reiterates commitment to Arab peace initiative

Jordan congratulates Iraq on forming a new government and hails its neighbor ‘s move towards a pluralistic democracy that would unify all the country's political forces under national reconciliation to form a government and write a new constitution.

Jordan also applauds Iraqis for the big efforts they made to build political institutions, which would be a real boost to Iraq's security and stability and lead to Iraqis taking over and running their own affairs.

Jordan respects the Iraqi peoples' choice of their leadership and the form of government.

Jordan reiterates its support of Iraq's unity and territorial integrity and looks forward to creating a stronger partnership with Iraq in security and economic domains.

Jordan is keen on strengthening its solid historic relations with Iraq and on developing them further in all aspects. Jordan is also committed to continue its efforts in providing assistance to Iraq.

Jordan is committed to take all necessary measures to control the Jordanian-Iraqi borders to prevent all kinds of infiltrations.

Jordan strongly condemns all terrorist acts that target innocent civilians and will do its utmost to ensure that terrorists do not get their way. Jordan believes that ending the acts of violence which target Iraqi policemen and civilians is an objective that the International Community should help in.

Jordan welcomes the establishment of a joint Jordanian-Iraqi higher committee chaired by both the Jordanian and Iraqi Prime ministers, and the establishment of other sub committees to address all aspects of the relation between the two countries.

Following is a summary of the Kingdom's position at 16th Arab summit:

1. Regarding the Palestinian issue, it is essential to stress our commitment to the Arab peace initiative, which laid the right foundations for a peaceful, just and comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. This solution calls for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands, the establishment of a Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil, and a fair agreed solution to the refugee problem based upon UN Resolution 194, in return for collective security guarantees by all Arab states in the region to Israel, signing of a peace treaty, and normalization of relations between all Arab countries and Israel. Accordingly, we must stress the need for Israel to declare its unconditional commitment to the roadmap, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as stated in the stipulations of the third phase of the roadmap.

2. To provide a suitable climate for the continuation of an earnest peace process, a lasting and comprehensive truce should be achieved on the Palestinian front.

All operations targeting civilians from both sides should cease. This demands taking the necessary measures to support the Palestinian Authority and enable it to control security conditions; it also demands creating the appropriate conditions to begin full implementation of the roadmap. It is imperative to build upon the latest American assurances stating that the results of final status issues will only be determined by the concerned parties themselves, and will not be prejudiced by the United States.

3. As for Iraq, an initiated Arab stance to assist the Iraqi people should be taken immediately, and without waiting for the occupation to end. Such an initiated stance would accelerate the end of the occupation, and will contribute to rebuilding Iraq and reconstructing its security capabilities, in such a way to safeguard its security and stability. The Jordanian role in training Iraqi police and army is a contribution to this end.

4. It is our view that any political process to shape the form of future governance in Iraq, whilst keeping away from interfering in Iraq's internal affairs, should refrain from all that may lead to dividing Iraq or threatening the integrity of its lands, which will be in contradiction to international consensus over such unity. We affirm our welcome for the increasing UN role in Iraq, and the necessity for its supervision of the upcoming Iraqi elections.

5. We in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan believe that the time has come for a self-initiated Arab initiative that emerges from within the Arab world, and through which the following are agreed upon; the basic principles of human rights, democracy, public freedoms and women rights; as well as keeping pace with knowledge and scientific advancement, trade liberalization in general, and the strengthening of Arab inter-commerce opportunities. If we do not undertake such self initiatives, we may find ourselves in this region faced with externally imposed initiatives. We believe that any initiative on the political and economic fronts in this region should take into consideration the Arab-Israeli conflict, which continues to constitute the prime concern for the Arab nation.

6. We call upon our Arab brethren leaders, to agree on a general system that formulates the general framework for a process of modernization, and political and economic reform, taking into consideration that the pace of implementation should be based upon the special circumstances of each Arab country.

7. We value and support the "Pledge Document" launched by Prince Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz, to develop unified Arab action.

Official Statements Made in Relation to the Official Jordanian Position on Iraq:

In remarks at the World Economic Forum Asia Roundtable in Singapore on April 28^th, 2005,His Majesty King Abdullah said, “In Iraq, great strides have been taken. Jordan supports the choices of the Iraqi people. We will continue to assist Iraq's reconstruction.” - (see full text)
In remarks at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. on March 21^st, 2005, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Other critical issues, too, need our united support. In Iraq, the difficult work of reconstruction continues. Iraqis need our help as they build security, establish effective and inclusive institutions, and rebuild their historic country.” - (see full text)
In remarks at Matthiae-Mahlzeit Dinner banquet in Hamburg, Germany on February 25^th, 2005, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “In Iraq, the success of recent elections must encourage voter participation to continue. The people need our help as they build security and democracy, and rebuild their historic country.” - (see full text)
In an address to the nation on January 26th, 2005, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “I also seize this occasion to address all our brethren in Iraq, of all groups and spectrums, and call on them to take part in the elections to be held in a few days. The elections are the only realistic way for the Iraqis to achieve security and stability, rebuild their country, and ensure that Iraq regains its natural and special status within the region.” - (see full text)
In remarks to the World Affairs Council of Northern California Commonwealth Club of San Francisco on December 11^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Iraq urgently needs a legitimate and inclusive political system. It is important that the upcoming elections be held as soon as possible - and it is also important that they be inclusive… Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis should hold, sacred, Iraq's Arab allegiance. And all Iraqis should reject any interference in Iraq's internal affairs.” His Majesty added that “As a close neighbor, Jordan is committed to doing all it can to assist and support Iraq's future. For us, this is part of a larger responsibility: to promote unity, stability and development throughout the Arab World.” - (see full text)
During an interview with MSNBC's Chris Matthews in Washington, D.C. on December 8^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “The worst outcome is you don't have a secular state… As you are aware, there's an issue of the Sunnis, we want them to go to the elections, we want them to be part of the process. If they're not then there could be more difficulties…Elections is a new phase in Iraqi life. If it moves in the right direction and Iraq can be pulled into the international community, then we will be better off.” - (see full text)
During an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on December 7^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “I think that we have a responsibility to reach out to the Sunnis at the moment, who are worried about elections, to say, "Look, elections are going on time, and if you don't commit to the elections, then you're going to miss the boat"… The problem that we have if the Sunnis do not engage in elections, the new government will be mandated in writing the constitution. And my concern is if you're going to write a constitution and part of the society is not involved, that could create its own problems. So I'm -- I'm hoping that we in Jordan and Arab countries and leaders can convince the Sunnis to go to the polls.” - (see full text)
In remarks at the Foreign Press Association in London on November 23^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Reform is ours to create. But there is another, critical role for the international community: moving the parties to peace. My friends, we urgently need a democratic, sovereign, and rebuilt Iraq. I agree with my friend Tony Blair when he says: “elections, not terror should decide the future of Iraq.” To create such a future, Iraq needs security and normalization - and soon.” - (see full text)
In remarks to the News Xchange 2004 in Algarve, Portugal, on November 18^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “It is urgent for the whole region, the whole world, that there be a rebuilt, violence-free, democratic and sovereign Iraq.” - (see full text)
In the Op-Ed “The Road From Here” published on November 12th, 2004 in the New York Times, His Majesty King Abdullah wrote, “Just as important, with its elections over, the United States can now refocus on this critical issue. The world's most powerful, most visible democracy has a chance to send a strong message to the region's people, especially its youth -- a message of deeds, not words. That means fulfilling the promise of a rebuilt, violence-free, democratic and sovereign Iraq.” - (see full text)
During a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London on October 5th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said Iraq needs international backing to its efforts to create a suitable climate for nationwide elections.
King Abdullah reiterated that Jordan was committed to help Iraq overcome its current difficult situation, preserve territorial integrity and rebuild its institutions.
His Majesty also underscored the need for the international community's support to create democracy and prosperity in Iraq. - (see full text)
In Madrid on October 5th, 2004, His Excellency Dr. Marwan Muasher reiterated Jordan's support for Iraqi efforts to restore stability and security so elections scheduled for January can go ahead as planned.
Muasher said, “We need to rebuild Iraq. Once the political process is underway it will certainly pave the way for the withdrawal of foreign forces.” - (see full text)
In remarks at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C. on September 30^th, 2004, His Excellency Dr. Marwan Muasher said, “We believe that there is no alternative but to give every possible support to the interim government in Iraq as they undergo this political process which will lead to elections. The security situation is not going to improve anytime soon, and there are many elements for it to improve. One of these elements, we feel, is bringing back the army… Another element would be better control of the borders… The third element that we think should be done is to conduct elections, of course. Elections need to happen, and they need to happen as soon as possible. But we also believe strongly that elections should happen all over Iraq. This idea of partial elections is not going to work.” - (see full text)
During an interview with the French daily Le Figaro's Charles Lambroschini on September 28th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said Iraq should be assisted in restoring its security and stability to help its people hold their elections. He said, “It seems to me that organizing incontestable elections under the chaotic conditions that presently dominate the scene in Iraq is simply not possible… If the elections were to be held under the present chaotic conditions, the most organized faction would be that of the extremists. The ballot outcome will only reflect this advantage to the favor of the extremists. With such a scenario, there would be absolutely no chance of any improvement in the situation.” - (see full text)
During an interview with Corriere della Sera on September 27^th, 2004, Antonio Ferrari asked His Majesty King Abdullah how the vicious circle in Iraq can be undone. His Majesty said, “The only solution is to reinforce the current Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Allawi. There are no alternatives.” - (see full text)
In remarks before the 59th session of the UN General Assembly, United Nations in New York on September 27th, 2004, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said, “While Jordan underscores its support for the government of Iraq, it stands ready to lend all possible assistance to Iraq, its people and government in the forthcoming phase in order to enable the country to rebuild itself, manage its own affairs and restore its regional and international status.” - (see full text)
In remarks at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in Moscow on September 3^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “At Sea Island in June, the G-8 countries reaffirmed their commitment to these goals, as well as to a democratic, sovereign, and rebuilt Iraq. The international community must now deliver on those promises. Let us send a new message to young people - in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, and elsewhere: ‘Global justice is real - the system can work.'” - (see full text)
On July 18^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah told CNN's late Edition that neither Jordan nor any of the countries that surround Iraq are the right countries to dispatch troops to Iraq. The King said, “I don't think that we [Jordan] are the right people, morally, to commit to Iraqi security… It would be an awkward, difficult position for Jordan if the Iraqi government, who I don't think will ask for commitment of its neighbors, were to ask. It would be difficult for us to say no.” - (see full text)
During an interview with BBC's Newsnight on July 2^nd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “The security situation will continue to be a major problem for this new Iraqi government. I feel somewhat optimistic that we have strong, courageous leaders in Iraq.” - (see full text)
During an interview with NBC's Tom Brokaw on June 14^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Democracy takes time. Each country has its own issues, its own culture and has its own pace. We do hope that the elections will be held by 2005. I think that the window is short. We'd like it to be successful. And I think all of us are keeping our fingers crossed and holding our breath.” - (see full text)
In remarks at the Economic Club of Chicago/Chicago Council on Foreign Relations in Chicago on June 12^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “We must move forward in building a legitimate, inclusive, and effective political process in Iraq. But make no mistake about it: the Arab-Israeli conflict remains the central hurdle to peace and progress in my region, and in the world.” - (see full text)
During an interview with Newsweek on May 16^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “The worst-case scenario of losing in Iraq is civil war there, which will draw everybody into the fray. Extremists will use an unstable Iraq. We have seen in history what Lebanon was like during its civil war, but this would be 10 times worse. [U.S. officials] must get the transition right. If they don't, we are in for serious trouble.” - (see full text)
During an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos on May 16^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “There are major issues on the ground that still need to be dealt with. One of them that I think is extremely important is de-Baathification… The de-Baathification policy basically isolated the Sunnis. And they, I think, caused the problems that you had in Fallujah and elsewhere, is fear that they have no stake in the future.” - (see full text)
In his opening remarks at the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea on May 15^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “It is also urgent for the international community to be an active partner in building a legitimate, inclusive, and effective political process in Iraq. Questions about the credibility of that process will encourage extremism and obstruct the process of regional reform. Iraqis deserve the world's wholehearted support in their quest for stability, sovereignty and freedom. We must respect the national identity of Iraq, and never forget Iraq's historical contribution to human civilization - from the time, more than 38 hundred years ago, when it established the world's first legal code.” - (see full text)
During an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle on April 17^th, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah criticized the "de-Baathification" campaign in Iraq, saying, “What you did is, you took a third if not more of society and said, 'You're persona non grata,' so a third of the country is isolated… You have to readjust that policy.” - (see full text)
In an interview with Corriere della Sera on March 23^rd, 2004, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “I believe that the Iraqi society has the capacity to secure its stability by itself. More than that, the faster the Iraqis may be allowed to decide on their own future, above all in matters of security, the faster the country will normalize. We all desire this. It will need time.” - (see full text)
His Majesty King Abdullah told Turkey's Hurriyet daily on March 15th, 2004 that unrest in Iraq might grow into an ethnic strife and destabilize the region. He said: “There is a danger of an ethnic war in Iraq. In fact, everybody is aware of that and is trying to prevent it.” (see full text)
In remarks at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington DC on March 15^th, 2004, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said, “The unity of Iraq is not an Iraqi internal affair, only. It is a regional affair because the dismemberment of the country is going to have deep, deep repercussions over the whole region and would throw the whole region into an Arab instability, and therefore we do have an opinion on the need to preserve the unity of Iraq. And we are all for a process that is driven by the Iraqis that would preserve that unity, that would not take any action that might lead to threatening this unity. And that can be only achieved if Iraqis can agree, not only on the rule of the majority, but on the rights of the minority. Rule of the majority without rights of the minority might lead to a situation of civil war in the country. And therefore, this golden rule must be preserved at all times if we are to talk about an Iraq that continues to be united and continues to be stable in this region.” - (see full text)
During an interview with CNN Turk on March 14^th, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “We need to work all of us together to make sure that that ethnic conflict does not become an issue and that civil war is avoided. If not, can you imagine the overspill.. not only into Jordan, but into Turkey and all the countries surrounding it. So we all have a vested interest to work together on this.” - (see full text)
During an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on March 14^th, 2004, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said, “We have welcomed the new interim basic law.., which was approved by all Iraqis. We want a process that would lead to, not only majority rule, but minority rights, so that we don't have civil war at our doorstep.” He added that “any political process in Iraq should have Iraqis be satisfied that their political rights are going to be protected at all times. Other than this, if any political grouping Iraq sees that their rights are not being satisfied, then this is forming a forcible.. war.” - (see full text)
His Majesty King Abdullah down played need for early legislative elections as demanded by Iraq's Shiite Muslim clergy, but opposed by the United States. In his address at the 40^th Munich Conference on Security Policy on February 8, 2004, he said:“It is not a question of how fast an election is held, but how well the governing institutions are built.”

“It is the substance, not the pace of change that will ultimately define success.” - (see full text)
During an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on December 7^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, “ …if you're going to have elections, you have to give all the constituencies in Iraq a fair chance and a balance… There needs to be some homework done to make sure that all of Iraqi society has a fair chance at elections.” - (see full text)
During an interview with PBS's Jim Lehrer on December 5th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that the future of Iraq should be left for the Iraqis to decide. “It looks to sort of - to most people - a pretty dismal state of affairs inside Iraq at the moment. The security situation is pretty bad. The only way to solve that is to get Iraqis back on the street as opposed to coalition forces. So the quicker we can train police and military, Iraqi police and military to take over for the coalition forces, the security situation will improve.” - (see full text)
In remarks at the OSCE Mediterranean Seminar in Aqaba on October 20^th, 2003, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shaher Bak said, "The Arab Israeli conflict is not the only issue that threatens comprehensive security in the Middle East region. The Iraqi crises, although potentially is one of the most threatening and destabilizing factors at the moment is at the same time part of the multitude of factors that threaten comprehensive security..." - (see full text)
In remarks at the tenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Kuala Lumpur on October 16^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, "it is not enough to only talk about the Iraqi people's right to control their own wealth and natural resources, and to select their leadership and future. We are required to take a clear political stance that would enable the Iraqi people to achieve their legitimate national ambitions, and to reinstate Iraq back to its real role in the international community." - (see full text)
In remarks at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs in Stockholm on Oct. 8^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, "In Iraq, it is urgent that the friends of freedom win the peace. That means swift, effective reconstruction and the establishment of a credible, legitimate government." - (see full text)
During an interview with Svenska Dagbladet Newspaper on October 6^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, "I must say that when a healthy, open, stable Iraq, is successfully established, then this will have a positive impact on the whole region - a sort of domino effect, if you will." - (see full text)
In remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on September 30^th, 2003, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said, "We have argued before and continue to argue against a federal arrangement in Iraq that would be based on ethnic or religious lines. In our opinion, this would be a recipe for a potential division of the country. And we were glad to find out in Washington that the United States shares this view, and that any arrangement in Iraq should have a strong central government." - (see full text)
In his statement before the Fifty-Eighth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 29^th, 2003, H.E. Dr. Marwan Muasher said that “we welcomed the formation of the transitional Governing Council as a first and important step towards the composition of a broad-based government that represents the full spectrum of the Iraqi population, to be elected by the people of Iraq as expeditiously as possible on the basis of a constitution accepted and endorsed by the people of Iraq.”
Moreover he said, “I wish to underline the central role the United Nations must continue to undertake in Iraq. The United Nations should remain an active player in the forthcoming political process. Its role should not be restricted to humanitarian issues. “ - (see full text)
During an interview with PBS's Charlie Rose on September 16^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, "I think that where Iraq was at the end of the war to where we are today is a lot better. There's still tremendous work that needs to be done in infrastructure which in itself brings security to people. A lot of people are terrified of the future because they don't know what it will bring." - (see full text)
During an interview with NBC's Katie Couric in Washington on September 15^th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said, “I know it's going to be a difficult struggle, but eventually the international community, with the United States, are going to be able to give Iraq the future that the Iraqi people want.” - (see full text)
In his WEF opening remarks at the Dead Sea on June 21st, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that “The need is urgent... fueling the engines of growth and development... and promoting the reconstruction of Iraq, a reconstruction that respects the rights of its people to determine their own future.” - (see full text)
During the annual conference of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva on June 12th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah II said that “Our region sits at a critical crossroads. The credibility, not merely of our own countries, but of the international community, is at stake. Now is the time to work together, to put our full force behind the process that will lead to the hand-over of Iraq to a credible Iraqi government, representing all Iraqis. And now is the time to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.” - (see full text)

In his address at the mid-term Conference of the Foreign Ministers of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership on May 26th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “Jordan is of the view that a credible and a legitimate Iraqi Government can only be the result of free and fair elections, which would eventually lead to a governing body representative of all shades of the Iraqi political spectrum.”
He added that “We believe that the international community and the United Nations should have a pivotal and central role in Iraq, including active political participation in the next phase that transcends the humanitarian aspect... ” - (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 do our utmost to ensure its territorial integrity, as well as the dear Iraqi brethren sovereignty over their entire lands, their right to choose their own independent leadership and future, and the return to their normal status in their Arab ambience.” - (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, in Jordan, that we need to have a smooth and quick transition to a credible Iraqi government.” - (see full text)
In remarks at The Center For Strategic And International Studies in Washington on April 29th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, "The international community's role cannot be limited to a humanitarian one. We have a political role to play. I think it is in the interests of the region and the interests of the U.S. for countries of the region to play - to help play a political role." - (see full text)
On April 28th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that “The question now is how to reconstruct Iraq in a way that would make it democratic, that would make it friendly with its neighbors, and that would have the Iraqis determine their own future.” -(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, “We [Jordan] emphasized the need to start a political process in Iraq that would lead to the formation of a credible and representative Iraqi government so we can get on with the process of rebuilding Iraq, and the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq.” - (see full text)
During an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour on April 27th, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “We're all a bit disappointed that things have not moved as quickly as they should have [the set up of an interim governing body and security on the ground.]"
His Majesty added that ”Iraq will be one of the main centers of gravity in the future of the Middle East. And so a capable, talented, strong nation moving in the right direction, I think, will be a comfort to all of us in the area. So we have a lot of hope for the future of Iraq and a prosperous Iraq will be a prosperous region for all of us.” - (see full text)

During an interview with NBC's Meet The Press on April 27th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said, “I think there is a strong need for the U.S. to involve the international community in its efforts to rebuild Iraq.”
He added, “What we need to do is an evolution and an orderly process where we ensure that all sectors of society in Iraq are represented in the Iraqi government.” - (see full text)

In a New York Times editorial, published on April 26th, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher writes, "It's important to remember that expecting the seeds of democracy to blossom overnight is a simplistic assumption at best, and a dangerous one at worst. Force-feeding democracy will lead not to reform but to radicalization. A wiser approach would be to respect the ability of Arab countries to take matters into their own hands. The Arab world is ready to do this."
Muasher adds that "the United States has responsibilities in Iraq... Moreover, those in the United States who call for rearranging the region would do well to stop such talk. They are alienating Arabs and jeopardizing the efforts of genuine reformers, who now cannot advocate democracy without being accused of doing America's bidding." - (see full text)
In an interview with Petra News Agency on April 2nd, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “Since day one of the war, we have spared no effort in expressing our rejection of it. Our moves and contacts with Arab brethren and some friendly countries continued in order to try to crystallize a position that would lead to a halt of the war on Iraq as soon as possible. We will not cease our efforts to halt this war and to explore means that guarantee helping the Iraqi people.
His Majesty added that “The Iraqi people are the only people that have the right to choose their leadership. Because we believe in democracy and the right of peoples to choose their leadership, we cannot imagine that people would accept the outside imposition of a leadership against their will. I have always stressed that dialogue is the right path for resolving problems and that resorting to violence will only breed violence and extremism. - (see full text)
During an interview with PBS on April 1st, 2003, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said that “Democracy, as the United States is very well aware of, is an evolutionary process... So I don't think that anybody is expecting democracy, full democracy to suddenly occur in the region. I think if one keeps insisting on that, what you will see is full radicalization of the region rather than full democracy.”
Planning Minister, Bassem Awadallah added that “When you speak about Iraq, immediately people mention Palestine. Immediately. That is the reaction; they cannot separate the two issues.” - (see full text)
During an interview with CNNs Larry King Live on March 27th, 2003, Foreign Minister Dr. Marwan Muasher said that "and now that the war has started, our principal objective is to make sure that it ends at the soonest possible time with the minimum of casualties. The longer the war takes, the more frustrated people in this region are." - (see full text)
In an address to the Jordanian people on March 21st, 2003 His Majesty King Abdullah II said, "We will work with all possible means to halt this war as soon as possible in order to ease the suffering of our brethren in Iraq and help them overcome the ramifications of war and to ensure the territorial integrity and cohesion of Iraqi territories." - (see full text)
In his address to the Arab Summit in Sharm El Sheikh on March 1st, 2003, His Majesty King Abdullah said, “We face today a case that warns of an imminent war on Iraq. Our Iraqi brethren will not alone suffer the effects and destruction of any such war. The whole region will.” “And Jordan today stresses further the danger of this situation and warns, if the war were to erupt, of the possibility of dividing Iraq.” - (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, "The situation in Iraq is another great challenge. Iraq is an important member of the Movement as well as the League of Arab States. The crisis unfolding there has dire consequences for the world. Peace, not war, is what is needed in the Middle East. Talk of war only diverts us from concentrating our efforts on the important fight against international terror. That fight is a continuous process, and one that needs the full attention and cooperation of our nations." - (see full text)

Foreign Minister Dr. Marwan Muasher reiterated Jordan's view and position on the situation in Iraq in an interview with Fox News in December 2002 by saying, “I think the Arab states have made their position clear, which is that the only way to avert a strike is for Iraq to cooperate fully and unconditionally with the latest U.N. Resolution 1441, as well as with earlier resolutions.” - (see full text)
The Foreign Minister outlined Jordan's position on the settlement of the situation between Iraq and Kuwait on the basis of UNSC resolutions, in His speech before the United Nation's General Assembly's 57th session on September 15th, 2002 by saying that “Jordan believes that the most appropriate means of resolving the outstanding matters between the United Nations and Iraq is to ensure the immediate and full implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions, including those relating to Kuwaiti prisoners and missing persons as well as to the return of the weapons inspectors.” - (see full text)