Jordan's lower house condemns Israeli comments on Jordan

The Lower House of Parliament condemned recent statements made by Israeli officials against Jordan in whichy suggested that the Kingdom is a substitute homeland for Palestinians. "We as representatives of the Jordanian people affirm our full rejection of such crazy statements that would exacerbate tension in the region again," the House added in a statement issued here on Thursday. The House said that Jordan and the free world will not accept less than an independent and viable Palestinian state on the Palestinian national soil with East Jerusalem as its capital. "The Israelis and those who support them should know and should clearly understand that Jordan is for Jordanians and that Palestine is for Palestinians," it added. "We should not remain silent towards these weird comments and there is a need for political measures to force Israel and its officials to immediately stop such comments," the statement added. The House urged the government to summon the Israeli ambassador in Amman and inform him of Jordan''s dismay and protest against the continued harmful comments made Israeli officials. The House reiterated King Abdullah''s stance saying that the substitute homeland only exists in the minds of the weak. "Israel, its politicians and those who support them should understand that Jordanians and their leadership will sacrifice their blood and souls for Jordan, the House said, adding that Jordan''s army defended Palestine and the Syrian Golan heights in the past. It said the the Karameh battle was a manifestation of Jordan''s sacrifices and the strong determination of the Arab army to defend the Kingdom, its people and leadership. The House urged all Jordanians to stand behind their Hashemite leadership and enhance national unity to deny the opportunity to those who have ill intentions towards Jordan. It also urged Arabs, Muslims, friends around the world and countries backing the peace process to shoulder their responsibilities and pressure Israel to refrain such irresponsible remarks that do not serve stability in the region.