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Apr 9: Plassnik: "Reliable voice of dialogue and moderation in the Middle East" |
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Foreign Minister meets Jordanian colleague
 Vienna, 9 April 2008 - "Jordan is faced with major challenges due to the tensions in the Middle East and Iraq. Jordan’s voice of reason and moderation is all the more important against this background. Jordan is a highly regarded partner by all sides and a recognized mediator in the region. Therefore, we hope that the country will continue its active contribution to the solution of the conflicts", said Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik after a meeting with her Jordanian colleague Salaheddin Al-Bashir who is on a visit to Vienna together with the Jordanian King Abdullah II. "All - the countries of the Middle East and Europe alike - are called upon to continue their dialogue and confidence-building efforts. This, however, will also require the willingness of those involved to reach out to each other. Dialogue can be promoted, but it cannot be imposed", said the Foreign Minister.
For decades, Austria and Jordan have been bound by a particularly warm and trustful friendship. The basis of this friendship are similar views and positions on several international issues: "Jordan and Austria are important partners who work together in a very constructive manner in many areas: in their common commitment to stronger international cooperation, in their efforts for worldwide disarmament in the UN, or in intercultural dialogue", said Plassnik. She added that specific initiatives by the Jordanian Royal House contribute to promoting dialogue across cultural and religious borders, thus building up confidence and mutual understanding between the Arab world and the West.
The Foreign Minister also praised the increased participation of Jordanian women in the political process. The new government already includes four female ministers, and the envisaged women’s quota for local elections amounts to twenty percent. Queen Rania in particular is an important supporter of the efforts to make women’s voices better heard: "The energy and experiences of women constitute one of the most precious resources for positive development. Only a society that makes use of this resource can fully exploit its potential", said Plassnik.
Contact:
Federal Ministry for
European and International Affairs
Press Department
Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
Fax: ++43 (0) 50 1159-213
abti3(at)bmeia.gv.at
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