King Abdullah II Confirms Jordan’s Support for Iraq in Facing Terror Threat

King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
TT
20

King Abdullah II Confirms Jordan’s Support for Iraq in Facing Terror Threat

King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)

King Abdullah II of Jordan said Monday that Jordan and Iraq share the same position in facing terrorism.

The monarch reiterated that Jordan's interest in Iraq lies in its stability and prosperity, which, he said, constitute a pillar for regional security and stability.

He made his remarks while receiving in Amman Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

The meeting at the al-Husseiniya tackled bilateral relations and the latest developments in Iraq, said a royal court statement.

King Abdullah highlighted the "deep and historical relations between Jordan and Iraq,” expressing keenness to continue cooperation on all levels, especially in the economic and trade fields, in a way that serves their joint interests, according to the statement.

He also expressed Jordan’s support for Iraq’s efforts in the war against terrorism.

Moreover, he stressed the need for including all segments of the Iraqi people in the political process, hoping Saturday’s Iraqi parliamentary elections will be a success.

Jaafari, for his part, commended the Kingdom’s “constant stances in supporting the unity, security and stability of Iraq.”

The minister highlighted Iraq’s victories in its war on terrorism, stressing that Jordan, as a contributor to these successes, has the right to be proud of these achievements.

Jaafari had arrived in Jordan on Sunday and he has so far held talks with Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi.

The parties agreed to continue defense and security cooperation to confront ISIS on security, military and ideological levels and to form a joint military committee to control the borders.



Tunisians Protest Against President as Jailed Politicians Begin Hunger Strike

Figures detained on conspiracy charges in Tunisia - ( Ghazi Chaouachi official social media page)
Figures detained on conspiracy charges in Tunisia - ( Ghazi Chaouachi official social media page)
TT
20

Tunisians Protest Against President as Jailed Politicians Begin Hunger Strike

Figures detained on conspiracy charges in Tunisia - ( Ghazi Chaouachi official social media page)
Figures detained on conspiracy charges in Tunisia - ( Ghazi Chaouachi official social media page)

Hundreds of Tunisians staged two protest rallies on Wednesday against what they say is the authoritarian rule of President Kais Saied and demanded the release of political prisoners, while six detained opposition figures held a hunger strike.

Saied seized extra powers in 2021 when he shut down the elected parliament and moved to rule by decree before assuming authority over the judiciary. The opposition described his move as a coup, Reuters reported.

Supporters of the opposition Free Constitutional Party gathered in the capital Tunis to demand the release of their detained leader Abir Moussi. They chanted slogans such as "Saied, dictator, your turn has come," and "Free Abir".

"What is happening is true tyranny, no freedom for the opposition, no freedom for the media. Any word can send you to prison," one protester, Hayat Ayari, told Reuters.

Hundreds of supporters of another opposition party, the Salvation Front, staged a separate rally, also in Tunis, to demand the release of detained politicians, activists and journalists.

Six prominent opposition figures detained on conspiracy charges have begun a hunger strike in prison to protest against their impending trial, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

Abdelhamid Jelassi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Khiyam Turki, Ridha Belhaj, Issam Chebbi and Ghazi Chaouachi - all detained in 2023 during a crackdown on the opposition - have refused to participate in what they say is an "unfair trial".

Saied said in 2023 that the detainees were "traitors and terrorists" and that the judges who acquitted them were their accomplices.

The detainees have denied any wrongdoing and have said they were preparing an initiative aimed at uniting Tunisia's fragmented opposition.

Most leaders of political parties are now in prison including two of Saied's most prominent opponents, Moussi and Rached Ghannouchi, the head of the Ennahda party.

The government says there is democracy in Tunisia and Saied says he will not be a dictator, but that what he calls a corrupt elite must be held accountable.