Jordan urges more support for UNRWA; Jordan and Germany discuss bilateral ties, situation in Middle East; Foreign minister supports Jordan’s GCC bid; Khasawneh’s government wins vote of confidence; Jordan urges increased global efforts to make peace
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  • According to reports, Jordan called on the international community to increase support for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in order to alleviate the burden on host countries in light of the agency’s worsening financial situation. Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh, the Minister of Industry and Trade Sami Gammoh stressed that the agency’s financial allocations should be in line with the increasing demand on its services. The minister reaffirmed that Jordan maintains its stance urging Palestinians and Israelis to return to the negotiating table, and stressed the need for Israel to halt its unilateral measures in the occupied territories. UNRWA Commissioner General Filippo Grandi said the agency remains concerned about the future financing of its general fund, especially now that the fund includes food aid.1

    In another development, warning that continued lack of peace would destabilise the region, Jordan King Abdullah said that bringing the Palestinians and Israelis to the negotiating table was in the best interest of Jordan and Germany and both would be working under the European coordination for the same. The King held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin to discuss efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East and the challenges facing the region. The two leaders also discussed bilateral ties and means to develop them in all fields.2

    According to reports, foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told that Jordan’s membership bid for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was on track as the Kingdom continued a gradual process towards joining the regional bloc. Judeh’s comments came in response to reports quoting UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ben Zayed as indicating that GCC members have not reached a consensus over Jordan and Morocco’s “full membership” to the council.3

    In a separate development, the government of Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh won the House vote of confidence, gaining the support of around 76 per cent of the total number of deputies present. Of the 117 MPs present, 89 deputies voted “yes”, 25 voted “no” and three abstained.4

    In other developments, according to reports, Jordan King Abdullah discussed with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffery Feltman the latest developments in the Middle East and efforts geared towards realising peace. At the meeting, King Abdullah underlined the need for the US and the international community to increase their efforts to overcome obstacles hindering peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis on the basis of the two-state solution that leads to an independent Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders.5

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