Developments in Middle East, North Africa reaffirm need for co-operation, reform, Jordanian Foreign Minister tells OSCE States

VIENNA, 15 March 2012 – The Foreign Minister of Jordan, Nasser Judeh, highlighted the need to intensify co-operation and reform processes to address security threats in the Middle East in a speech to the OSCE Permanent Council today.

On the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, Judeh emphasized that recent developments “have reaffirmed and brought home the pressing need for a sincere, irreversible reform process to address all the intractable challenges and problems that have overwhelmed the region for many years”.

“It is imperative to face these challenges with a fresh thinking and a firm determination in a manner that fully respects the will and choice of the peoples of the region,” he said. “Change has come, is coming and will continue to come. Generations have waited for the ability and opportunity to participate in shaping their future.”

The Minister emphasized Jordan’s support for regional and international efforts to restore peace and stability in Syria: “We have supported and will continue to support the Arab efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis and to end the ongoing bloodshed through a political process that fulfils the aspirations of the Syrian people.”

He highlighted Jordan’s efforts to advance domestic reforms, including constitutional reforms and through recently submitted draft laws on elections and political parties.

The Minister also affirmed the interest of Jordan, an OSCE Mediterranean Partner for Co-operation, in intensifying co-operation with the OSCE on political and security matters: “The OSCE, due to its multidimensional approach to common, comprehensive, co-operative and indivisible security, and its partnership scheme, provides the appropriate forum for a genuine dialogue on security in the Mediterranean.”

Judeh discussed efforts, headed by King Abdullah II of Jordan, to lead exploratory talks between Israelis and Palestinians towards direct negotiations on a final two-state solution, as well as the country’s commitment to participating in international peace efforts.

Jordan has provided two field hospitals in Afghanistan, an OSCE Asian Partner for Co-operation, in addition to hospitals in Benghazi, Congo, Gaza, Jenin, Liberia and Ramallah. The country has also helped to train the Afghan army and promote religious toleration.

The Permanent Council is one of the OSCE's main regular decision-making bodies. It convenes weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make decisions.