Safadi Urges Israel Gov't To Repudiate Finance Minister's Speech

Amman, March 21 (Petra) - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi Tuesday reiterated Jordan's condemnation of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's speech at a conference in Paris with an alleged map of Israel that includes Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The racist, inflammatory and provocative statements by the Israeli minister represent an exclusionary, extremist and racist ideology, Safadi told a press conference.
Smotrich's statements will not undermine Jordan or the historical right of the Palestinian people to an independent and sovereign state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital, he said.
Safadi demanded the Israeli government state openly that the the minister's remarks do not represent it, adding that Jordan had issued clear statements of condemnation and rejection of such actions.
Jordan, through contacts with the international community, highlighted the danger of such racist and inciting ideology and its repercussions, not only on the peace process, but also the message it sends on the danger it posed, he said.
'We will not be intimidated by the words of an extremist and racist, whose provocative actions are known to the entire world. This is the same person who called 'to wipe out Howara off the map,' said Safadi, adding that Jordan will take the necessary measures if such provocations escalate.
He also announced he had received numerous calls from Israeli officials stressing Israel's commitment to the peace agreement with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and that Israel fully respects the Kingdom's borders and their safety and highly recognizes its role.
'Should there be an escalation during the month of Ramadan, Jordan will do what is necessary, not only to protect its constant positions, but support the Palestinians, as well,' he said.
He reviewed Jordan's efforts to stop the illegal Israeli measures, provide protection to the Palestinians and counter the extremist and racist ideology that was evident through the statements and actions of officials in the current Israeli government.
Safadi told reporters that a recent meeting in Aqaba was the political approach and was the first attempt in more than 15 years to launch a Palestinian-Israeli political and security dialogue under a regional and international umbrella, which culminated in Israeli commitments, that were repeated at the Sharm el-Sheikh meeting.
That was an effort that started after years of no contacts, he said, reiterating that the occupation is the root cause of all evil.
The region will not see security, peace and stability unless the occupation ends and the brotherly Palestinian people regain their full rights, he reiterated.
Safadi said Jordan is heavily engaged to stop measures that perpetuate the occupation and preclude any chance for Palestinians to achieve freedom, statehood and sovereignty on their national soil, and works daily to halt violations against the existing historical and legal status quo over holy sites.

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