Jordan's King Abdullah said on Monday that the Middle East plan presented by U.S. President George W. Bush needed clarification on several points but he expressed confidence in Bush's commitment to peace in the region.
In talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, the king voiced thanks for Japanese support in the Middle East but received no response to his calls for easier repayments on official development loans.
King Abdullah told Foreign Minister Kawaguchi that, while Bush's plan deserved praise for mentioning a general timeframe for the Middle East peace process, clarification was needed. "We are waiting for more comments from the United States," he was quoted by Foreign Ministry officials as saying.
Kawaguchi told King Abdullah that Japan would give Jordan 2.0 billion yen ($16.72 million) in fresh non-project grants to support a three-year programme of structural reforms. King Abdullah told Kawaguchi that Jordan appreciated Japan's support.
"First and foremost, we are extremely grateful for Japan's support for the region," he was quoted by Foreign Ministry officials as telling Kawaguchi. "Not only Palestine, but all the surrounding nations, are recipients of Japanese support. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
