On the 15 year anniversary of the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty, the focus is on how much has not changed and how much more work needs to be done. Namely, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to destabilize the region and prevent cooperation between every country.
In an interview with Middle East Progress, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, Jordan’s ambassador to the United States, reflects on the current situation and states:
“The Arab-Israel conflict remains a source of instability, tensions and hopelessness in the region. So despite our peace treaty with Israel, we cannot live in a peaceful and secure neighborhood as long as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lingers on. The perpetuation of the conflict affects Jordan and Jordanians and certainly impacts our relations with Israel. Our bilateral relations with Israel do not exist in a vacuum.”
He also reiterated Jordanian support for the Obama administration’s efforts to pursue Israeli-Palestinian peace and emphasized areas where Jordan attempts to infuse some semblance of stability in the region. Al Hussein said:
“Jordan has also contributed to training Palestinian security forces, and continues to be the launching pad for all humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territories.
As for the Arab Peace Initiative, as His Majesty King Abdullah pointed out, this landmark initiative has held up against all provocation, crisis and tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli and regional arenas. The Initiative ‘lays out the parameters of a comprehensive settlement—ending the occupation … creating a Palestinian state … and providing security guarantees and normal relations for Israel.’ It has been accepted by the Organization of Islamic Conference and thus enjoys the support of 57 countries—a third of the United Nations members who until today do not recognize Israel.
We have made a choice by endorsing and advancing the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers a comprehensive peace that meets the legitimate needs of all. Israel also has a choice: to be integrated into the region or as His Majesty said, remain fortress Israel, isolated and locked-in by the conflict.”
To honor the anniversary, the White House released the following statement:
“Today marks the anniversary of the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, signed fifteen years ago near the Israeli-Jordanian border. As we honor this historic event, we remember that peace is always possible despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The courage of King Hussein and Prime Minister Rabin demonstrated that a commitment to communication, cooperation, and genuine reconciliation can help change the course of history. Today we honor the foresight of these leaders who stared down the past’s doubters and stood together in the interest of common progress. As we work with Arabs and Israelis to expand the circle of peace, we take inspiration from what Jordan and Israel achieved fifteen years ago, knowing that the destination is worthy of the struggle. “