You are here

EU official breaks down in tears during Amman presser

By Khetam Malkawi - Mar 22,2016 - Last updated at Mar 23,2016

EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini, reacts to the latest news on the Brussels attacks, during a press conference with Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh in Amman, on Tuesday (AP photo)

AMMAN — A joint press conference held by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini was halted on Tuesday when the EU official broke down over the Brussels bombings.

Mogherini started the press conference by saying that Tuesday was a very sad day for Europe, which is now suffering like terror-hit Middle East countries.

“Europe and its capital are suffering the same pain that this region has known and knows every single day,” she said.

Twin blasts hit Zaventem Airport in Brussels and another explosion struck Maelbeek Metro Station on Tuesday morning, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries.

The EU official stressed that these attacks resulted from “radicalisation”.

"We are still waiting for more precise news on the dynamics of the attacks in Brussels but it is quite clear the roots of the pain we are suffering around our region are very much the same," Mogherini said, adding that both regions are united not only in suffering over victims but also in “reacting to these acts and preventing radicalisation and violence”. 

"Being here together is the most powerful message of strength and friendship among our people that we can pass to those who would like to divide us,” she noted. 

Judeh expressed Jordan’s strong condemnation of the attacks, stressing the Kingdom’s stance in standing with Europe.

“We stand with you today and with our friends in Europe and with all peace-loving nations,” the minister said.

Both Judeh and Mogherini also briefed the press on the cooperation between Jordan and the EU, noting that they discussed issues of common interest, including the Syrian issue, the two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the fight against terrorism, in addition to simplifying rules of origin for the Kingdom’s products to facilitate exports to Europe.

Speaking about the Palestinian cause, Judeh said the situation is “very dangerous now”, citing Israeli violations against Palestinians and stressing that negotiations should be revived over a fixed timeframe.

This issue was also highlighted by Mogherini, who described Jordan as a “precious” partner to the EU when it comes to the Palestinian issue. 

Jordan and the EU also share the same stance regarding the Syrian crisis, according to the EU official.

She stressed that Amman is “a very precious partner” when it comes to clarifying true Islam to Europeans. 

 

“We believe that the message of Islam is constantly and consistently a message of peace, dialogue and cooperation, which is what we need at this moment,” she told reporters. 

up
32 users have voted.


Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

PDF