Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb on Thursday reaffirmed that using force against Iraq will further aggravate the dangerous situation in the Middle East and create political and economic backlashes in the region.
Speaking at a press conference, Abu Ragheb stressed that Jordan has reiterated on many occasions its rejection to any military action against Iraq, and its belief in positive dialogue with the United Nations to solve the pending issues and spare the Iraqi people of more sufferings.
Abu Ragheb resolutely denied foreign reports that US troops havebeen stationed on the Jordanian soil to prepare for possible military strikes against Iraq.
He said that Jordan did not and will not allow the use of its territories or airspace against any other country, particularly Iraq, or interference in any Arab country's internal affairs.
"Arab and foreign newspaper reports in this regard are absolutely untrue and we totally deny them," he said, adding that "We hope that all will realize our stand concerning Iraq's territorial integrity, which is a fixed one, and also it is the stand of all Arabs."
The prime minister said Jordan's position on Iraq has been persistent and unchanged, and the kingdom is involved in intensive efforts to call for lifting the sanctions imposed on Iraq, or resorting to dialogue to implement relevant Security Council resolutions.
The Iraq issue was highlighted at the press briefing as US President George W. Bush vowed earlier this month to use all means available to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Jordan is one of the most important allies of the United States in the Arab world, but now it could hardly afford to lose Iraq, themost important trade partner and the only supplier of crude oil of the kingdom.
( July 12, 2002)
