King Abdullah :Arab Spring provides opportunity to change

His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said that the Arab Spring can be an opportunity to institutionalise the drive for reform in Jordan and the region. In a speech delivered at the plenary session of the 66th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the King said: “We believe that the Arab Spring can be an opportunity to institutionalise positive change, change that is necessary for a strong, secure, prosperous future.” The developments in the Arab region have stimulated the reform process in the Kingdom, he said, adding that in the political front, the ultimate goal of the push is parliamentary governments. “These opportunities are opening the door to a major revitalisation of our reform effort. We want it to be an inclusive, national effort that can reach our goal of parliamentary government,” His Majesty told the meeting (see full text of speech). He added: “The irreversible democratic change we seek, means more than establishing new structures. It means embedding a way of life - the active responsibility of participating in political parties, creating political, economic and social platforms, and working with others to achieve the future our people need. It also means building reform right into reform, including the rule of law, justice and the rights and freedoms of democratic political life.” On the Palestinian issue, the King renewed support for the Palestinians’ right to an independent and viable state that lives side by side with a secure and accepted Israel. “We will continue to strongly support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to statehood in fulfilment of their aspirations and in accordance with UN resolutions, and within a comprehensive and just settlement and the resolution of all final status issues. It is their right to seek it here, in the house of nations, the United Nations. This we must all support.” He also called on the international community to work for “a new and vigorous international push, with concrete steps towards the endgame. Not words, not process. But a decisive end to conflict, and a new beginning in peace. The peace that comes from real statehood and recognised rights for Palestinians... allowing people to look forward in dignity and hope”. While in New York, King Abdullah met with former US president Bill Clinton Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and efforts to bring about peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. Also yesterday, the King met with World Economic Forum (WEF) Chief Executive Officer Klaus Schwab and discussed with him means of cooperation between the Kingdom and the forum, especially preparations to hold the WEF at the Dead Sea in October, according to a Royal Court statement. Schwab outlined preparations being made by the WEF leadership to ensure the success of its activities, noting that the theme of this year’s forum has to do with change and innovation towards a new Middle East. Also on Wednesday, His Majesty met with several officials on the sidelines of the General Assembly meetings, holding talks with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. The King also discussed means to enhance ties with several heads of state, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Libyan National Transitional Council Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil, in addition to the presidents of Congo, Austria and the Dominican Republic.