Ammon News - DEAD SEA- Prime Minister Nader Dahabi on Wednesday said Palestinian refugees issue can't be viewed apart from the whole Arab-Israeli conflict since this issue was the main result of the conflict.

The premier stressed, in a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh at the opening of the "Hosts and Donors" meeting at the Dead Sea, that any future settlement of the conflict must take into account the refugees issue, affirming Jordan's stance to solve the refugees issue on the basis of the United Nations resolution no.194 which guarantees their rights of return and compensation.

Dahabi asserted that the Arab-Israeli conflict can't come to an end without ending occupation of all Arab lands and establishing a viable and independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian national soil with East Jerusalem as its capital in line with credible terms of reference namely the Arab peace initiative.

Dahabi renewed Jordan's condemnation of all Israeli unilateral measures and settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, particularly violations against Al Aqsa mosque, adding that Jerusalem is a red line.

He said the meeting comes as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, marks the 60th anniversary of its establishment, he added that six decades of injustice should end.

The Premier said that Jordan hosts 42 percent of the total number of Palestinian refugees in the agency's five areas of operation.

Despite limited resources, Dahabi added, Jordan, which hosts the largest number of Palestinian refugees, has been providing services and care to refugees for 60 years, noting that Jordan spends annually on refugees more than UNRWA's budget.

He said the government was following with deep concern over the agency's situation, especially the gap between available funds and demands.

Dahabi also called on donor countries to support UNRWA so as to help the agency resume its works and services extended to Palestinian refugees.

He also expressed rejection of all attempts to minimize UNRWA’s role and responsibilities, calling on the international community to support the agency and promote its role so as to contribute to alleviating suffering of Palestinian refugees.

"The majority of Palestinian refugees in Jordan enjoy Jordanian citizenship," said the premier, noting that Jordan rejects any solution for the Palestinian issue that ignores the right of refugees.

UNRWA Commissioner General Karen Abu Zayd said that since its establishment in 1948, UNRWA has been extending services to Palestinian refugees in various fields including health, education and housing.

On the sidelines of the meeting, UNRWA and Zein Al Mashriq signed a strategic partnership agreement to support the international agency’s services in Jordan and Palestine. (Petra)


* Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh shakes hands with UNRWA Commissioner General Karen AbuZayd at a conference of host and donor countries at the Dead Sea on Wednesday (AP photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh)