Jordan

Jordan's King Abdullah II Opens Parliament

By JAMAL HALABY
The Associated Press
Thursday, December 1, 2005; 9:12 AM

AMMAN, Jordan -- King Abdullah II opened parliament Thursday with a vigorous call for a strategy to confront terrorism, saying security and stability were a greater priority than ever following last month's suicide bombings of three Amman hotels.

Abdullah told lawmakers the Nov. 9 blasts claimed by the al-Qaida in Iraq group targeted Jordan because of its "location, its message and positions" _ a reference to his nation's pro-Western outlook, its embrace of moderate Islam and its lying between Israel and Iraq.

"These attacks impose upon (Jordan) the largest security challenge to ever confront it," he told a joint session of the upper and lower chambers, interrupted by loud applause and cries of "Long live the king!"

"Thus, a security strategy capable of dealing with these changed circumstances and containing these challenges is in order," he said. "This requires the drafting of legislation that serves this strategy to ensure that Jordan will remain as it always has been: an oasis of security and stability and a haven for freedom where human rights are respected."

Wearing a black and gold military uniform, the king praised the security forces for the way they handled the deadliest terrorist attack in Jordan's history. Three suicide bombers killed 60 people and wounded hundreds of others.

"When the hand of the traitors targeted Jordan's security and terrorized its innocent citizens and guests, the country passed, with great success, a critical test of its security and stability," he said.

Following the attacks, the king swore in a new government and gave its prime minister _ a tough former major general, Marouf al-Bakhit _ the task of maintaining a balance between security and freedom. The monarch asked the Cabinet to draft a new anti-terrorism law.

In his 15-minute speech, Abdullah acknowledged the strain of Jordan's poverty and unemployment.

"I feel the suffering of my people, and I know the extent of economic difficulties they are facing due to the rise of prices, poverty and unemployment," he said. He urged lawmakers to pass laws that would "relieve the people's suffering."

He appeared to reprimand conservative legislators who have often blocked progressive bills, such as those that would grant increased freedom to women.

"We are at a new threshold of the reform and modernization march, and confronting the challenges imposed upon us by difficult regional circumstances requires each and every one of us to rise to the challenge at this moment," he said. "It requires that parliament deal with the government with a sense of responsibility."

He reiterated Jordan's support for the Palestinians and said the country would continue to back the Iraqi people "until Iraq is restored to its natural status and its citizens enjoy decent, free and secure life."