Jordanian PM: Plans For Joint Zone With PA On Border, Ready To Arm PA Forces

2005-08-20

PM Receives Quraya

www.petra.gov.jo/ nepras/2005/Aug/ 20/26982800.htm

Amman/Aug. 20 (Petra-Jordan News Agency) -- Premier Adnan Badran expressed Jordan's welcome over Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, affirming the Israeli withdrawal should be part of the road map and should be followed by other Israeli pullouts from other Palestinian territories.

Badran's remarks were made during his meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Quraya on Saturday. Ahmad Quraya briefed Badran on the field and political situation in Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza after the Israeli pullout, expressing the Palestinian interests demands the pullout should be done in smooth.

Ahmad Quraya condemned in his name and behalf of Palestinian people and government the terror act that targeted Aqaba yesterday.

The two premiers reviewed the bilateral relations, particularly the trade and economic ties.

Badran expressed thanks and appreciations to Palestinian Premier for his visit to participate the Jordanian government and people the condemnation of the terror act in Aqaba, Badran told Petra.

"We congratulated the Palestinian people over the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, which is deemed to be first step of road map", Premier Badran said, adding we discussed the trade and economic issues, and there are Royal directives from His Majesty King Abdullah to prepare the circumstances to establish free trade, so we dispatched today Minister of Trade and Industry to Gaza to sign a free trade agreement with his Palestinian counterpart.

Badran added there are instructions to establish industrial free zone between Jordan and Palestinian National Authority in Jordan River, expressing hope an agreement to be signed very soon.

"The government, in a response to His Majesty the King's call for supporting the Palestinian brothers to enhance their security and peace, is ready for any future train for their security forces, which is going to be deployed in the West Bank". Badran noted, adding that Bader Forces are prepared and ready and they will be an effective factor to maintain peace and security in the West Bank and help establish the Palestinian state. Badran affirmed that there was a complete readiness by Jordan to prepare and equip these forces, which will contribute in the second phase of the withdrawal by giving a security power to Palestinian Authority.

Wardat/ Petra

Source: IMRA – Independent Media Review and Analysis