WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- Abdel Ilah Al Khatib, Jordan's foreign minister, met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington Thursday and reviewed the Palestinian-Israeli issue, the war in Iraq, the war on terrorism and ongoing reforms in the Hashemite Kingdom. Al Khatib underlined the importance of pushing the peace process forward and reiterated Jordan's support for the Palestinian National Authority and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He said Jordan is "committed to its position in advocating the return of both sides to the negotiating table."
Shortly after his meeting with Secretary Rice, Al Khatib met with United Press International's International Editor Claude Salhani. The following are excerpts.
UPI: You just met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; can you tell us the contents of your discussion?
Al Khatib: Well it was a very good meeting. We discussed bilateral relations between Jordan and the United States; you know we enjoy very strong bilateral relations. We reviewed those relations, and we explored the political situation. We have a common stand against terrorism and we have an ongoing stand to combat terrorism.
Q: How threatening is the current situation in Iraq for Jordan?
A: We have seen attempts at infiltrations across the Jordan border, and you remember the bombings against our hotels in Amman last November from people who crossed the border from Iraq. It's a concern for us, it concerns our national security. We hope that Iraq will be stabilized. We are trying our best to protect our borders.
Q: King Abdullah tried to convene last month an "Islamic-Iraqi summit." It didn't take place. What happened?
A: His majesty was to convene the conference in Amman on the 22nd of April, but it coincided with the convening of the Iraqi parliament to endorse the assignments of the presidency and the prime minister and the speaker of the parliament. The president of Iraq called his majesty and asked for the postponement of the conference, and we will reschedule it.
Q: The king is turning to religion as an initiative in his efforts to try and bring about a settlement in the Middle East. How important is that?
A: This initiative is intended to build upon the results of the international Islamic conference that was held in Amman in July of 2005, and that's why its an important conference, because it achieved agreement among all schools of jurisprudence in Islam to recognize each other and also to reject any attempt by any party to declare a Muslim an apostate. And it set the criteria for issuing fatwas (edicts) in Islam. People have been abusing these fatwas. Religious leaders in Iraq are gaining influence and they can play an important role in reaching a political agreement between the different factions in Iraq. We see religion as a possible positive influence and we hope we will be able to utilize that.
Q: How much of a threat is Hamas to Jordan?
A: Hamas is a Palestinian movement, and we hope that people will respect the independence and security of Jordan, and we will not allow any interference or any attempt to undermine our security.
Q: Do you see a solution to the Iraqi question?
A: We hope that these recent developments will help form a national unity government in Iraq and allow Iraq to be on the right track to regain its sovereignty. Iraq is a very important country in the region, and it's a pillar to the stability of the whole region.
Q: Do you think there is a risk of civil war in Iraq?
A: Well, we hope that the current confrontation will be controlled, and we hope that the situation does not deteriorate further.
Q: Do you think Iraq risks being 'cantonized'?
A: We hope not. The territorial integrity of Iraq is very serious, and we hope that logic and wisdom will prevail.
Q: Is it feasible to have Iraq divided?
A: No, it would be a very negative development for the stability of the region.
Q: The Bush administration seems to have lowered the threshold in Iraq. Initially the president spoke of defeating the resistance, but lately both he and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld are talking of a handover to the Iraqi military as soon as they are ready. Do you not see a major change in policy?
A: I think there is recognition of the importance of building Iraqi institutions, building the military, and allowing Iraqis to manage their own affairs. I think whatever is happening, Iraq is important to the United States. The United States has invested a lot in the last few years in Iraq.
Q: How are your relations with Syria?
A: Well, Syria is a neighbor, is an Arab country neighbor, and we hope that we will have good relations with all our neighbors. There have been difficulties sometimes at certain times, and we have worked to overcome these difficulties.
Q: Why has it been so hard to track down Abu Musab al-Zarqawi?
A: As we see down the road hopefully more stability in Iraq, then it will be harder for people like Zarqawi to hide.
