Safadi reiterates Jordan’s call for political solution in Syria

AMMAN — Jordan considers the US strike on a military base in Syria a “limited reaction to chemical attacks”, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Friday, noting that the raid sent a “clear message” that the international community will not accept any attack on innocent civilians.

There is no military solution to the Syrian crisis, and the Kingdom hopes for a unified and serious international effort to ensure a political solution to end the war, Safadi said in an interview with Jordan Television’s “60 Minutes”.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Jordan did not want to see Syria turn into a place of proxy wars, nor did it want the crisis to become international, the minister highlighted, stressing the Kingdom’s desire to end the suffering of the Syrian people through a political solution. 

Jordan does not want terror organisations, such as Daesh or Jabhat Al Nusra near its borders, Safadi said, adding that the Kingdom also rejects all sectarian groups worsening the conflict, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

On His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to the US, the minister described it as “successful by all standards”, adding that the Americans’ respect and appreciation for King Abdullah were clear for anyone who followed his meetings.

His Majesty’s discussions with US President Donald Trump focused on Jordan’s top priority, the Palestinian issue, and means to achieve peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Safadi also commented on the Arab summit which concluded at the end of last month, where Arabs reiterated their commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative. 

During his press conference with Trump, King Abdullah noted that the initiative had been at the top of the summit’s agenda.

On moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, Safadi stated that Americans are now reconsidering the decision, adding that the King had been clear in affirming the Jordanian stance that East Jerusalem should be the capital of the independent Palestinian state.

The minister added that the King stressed the importance of preserving the historic and legal status quo of the holy city.

Safadi stated that His Majesty was able to discuss these issues with the West in a consensual manner, and in a way that serves both Arab and Jordanian interests in the region’s stability and security.