King of Jordan Reiterates Importance of 'Two-State Solution'

King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)
King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)
TT

King of Jordan Reiterates Importance of 'Two-State Solution'

King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)
King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)

King of Jordan Abdallah II reiterated the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, that meets all the “legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.”

During an interview with Petra News Agency, King Abdallah said that the region and world as a whole cannot achieve security, stability, and peace without reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause that meets all the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on the two-state solution.

The monarch asserted that the two-state solution guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state on 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He noted that this ensures living in peace and security alongside Israel, in accordance with international law, recognized terms of reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The King asserted that the Palestinian cause is central to Jordan, saying: “We continue to stand alongside our Palestinian brethren with all our power and capabilities as they seek to gain their just and legitimate rights.”

Jordan is constantly communicating and coordinating with Palestinian officials in this regard.

“Our martyrs have given their lives to defend Palestinian soil and our ongoing efforts to reactivate the peace process will continue,” said the King, reiterating that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.



Algeria Tightens Measures to Combat Migrant Smuggling to Europe

A boat for illegal migration in the Mediterranean (circulated)
A boat for illegal migration in the Mediterranean (circulated)
TT

Algeria Tightens Measures to Combat Migrant Smuggling to Europe

A boat for illegal migration in the Mediterranean (circulated)
A boat for illegal migration in the Mediterranean (circulated)

Algerian authorities launched a new security unit last week to tackle human trafficking and migrant smuggling by sea from the country’s northern shores.

The unit, under the supervision of the Gendarmerie, was given broad powers and resources.

The Gendarmerie said on social media that the unit had dismantled two smuggling networks in Algiers, arrested 10 people, and seized seven boats used to transport migrants to southern Europe.

While the exact timing of the raids was not provided, the Gendarmerie mentioned that the networks were operating in Algiers, Blida (40 km west), and Ain Taya (30 km east).

The Gendarmerie said the new security unit was set up to combat organized crime, particularly illegal migration.

It noted that, through ongoing cooperation with other agencies, including the Birkhadem Investigation Unit and regional Gendarmerie teams in Algiers, three cases were handled.

These involved illegal crossings, mostly related to migrant smuggling, which is punishable under Algerian law. The Gendarmerie also seized boats worth $52,000 and a vehicle valued at around $30,000.

The Gendarmerie said it had referred members of two smuggling networks to the prosecution, without revealing their number. It stressed that efforts to tackle the issue, which has security, social, and economic impacts, would continue using all available resources.

Media reports confirmed that over 20 people were arrested. They had been charging up to 5,000 euros per person to smuggle migrants by sea to the nearest Spanish islands, a journey of 400 to 500 kilometers that takes about 24 hours in calm seas.

According to Spain’s EFE agency, 5,165 illegal migrants have reached the Balearic Islands since the start of the year, mostly from North Africa.

This represents a 100% increase from 2,278 migrants last year.