King Juan Carlos Faced with Criticism and Protests

In recent weeks, the international media has documented the criticisms, protests and scurrilous attacks against King Juan Carlos of Spain and his family. Despite these assailments, the king has not been denounced and stripped of power which befell King Gyanendra of Nepal. Juan Carlos is capable of assuaging the fears of his people and if the country is not ready to become a republic, it will remain a constitutional monarchy until the people of Spain are ready for a drastic change.

Soldier of Orange 1917-2007

On Wednesday, Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, otherwise known as the ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ (Soldier of Orange), died in Hawaii at the age of 90. He wrote his memoirs in the 1970’s and a film called the ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ directed by Paul Verhoeven (Black Book, Starship Troopers) and starring Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner, Ladyhawke, Escape from Sobibor) as ‘Erik’ was made in 1977. He served as adjutant to Queen Wilhelmina in 1945 and participated in the coronation of Queen Beatrix in 1980. On May 7, 2005, Blauw Bloed, a Dutch television programme about royalty, aired an exclusive interview with Erik Roelfzema recounting his war experiences and work with the Dutch Royal Family. It has been reported that the Dutch Royal Family was saddened by the news and sent their condolences to the family.

Princess Laurentien Speaks at Cultural Forum for Europe

On September 26th, Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands addressed the first Cultural Forum for Europe organised by the EU presidency of Portugal. She is the wife of Prince Constantijn and daughter-in-law of Queen Beatrix.

Some of her remarks are below.

"Excellency, Ladies and gentlemen, friends of culture,"

"Recently I was struck by a commercial advertisement entitled ‘open to change’ in a special edition of a leading US political magazine. Against a visually highly creative background, it reads: “healthy cultures nurture creativity. They help breathe life into the people who live within them. And also: “healthy culture welcomes dissent: it listens for the sound of new voices and supports original imaginations. And then – this is my favourite: “healthy cultures are full of artists. When hope dies, so does creativity. When culture is lost, so is the future.”

"We no doubt all agree that open cultural expressions are a precondition for free societies and, equally, that cultural expressions per se provide meaning to our existence. Artists are essential to our future. They are as diverse as the creativity that they express. They are bearers of provocation, beauty and inspiration. They are change agents and provide deeper insights and even comfort. Less than 20 years ago it was a dream that the cold war would end and Europe would be reunited. Artists imagined that dream in their works – and many engaged in making it come true. Less than 10 years ago, an alarming new divide emerged between cultures and religions, globally and in our communities. Many artists play an important role in making us understand and overcome this divide."

"Fifty years ago, reconciliation of Europe’s nations was not taken for granted. It was then that a group of visionary individuals founded the European Cultural Foundation to promote cultural cooperation across all borders and boundaries. I am delighted to be here as President of the ECF. As an independent foundation, we advocate a new alliance between civil society, national and European authorities as well as the private sector to acknowledge the importance of culture and the arts for the social fabric of our continent."

"In a globalising world, Europe has become a complex interplay between diverse people and peoples. For the sake of our children, we need to invest in the future common good, and in our joint capacities to tackle the unexpected. It is our responsibility to make Europe not only more efficient, but also more inclusive. We need to educate the next generations on the challenges ahead in terms of knowledge and employability, but also on being cultured and responsible citizens. It is up to us to safeguard and develop the specificity of Europe, its tremendously rich cultures, impregnated by our history of failures and progress."

"I applaud the Portuguese EU Presidency to organise this first ever Cultural Forum. It provides us with an excellent and much needed opportunity to sit around the table for a structured and focused dialogue. Much needed, because “the cultural sector” – if there is such a thing - is unique in its individualism and fragmentation, as we all know. This inherent fragmentation is a blessing in that it demonstrates the rich diversity of cultural expressions across Europe. But our fragmentation is also a curse. We need to face the challenges of a world where knowledge, communication, people, products and creativity know fewer and fewer boundaries. We need to grab the economic and other opportunities a borderless market such as Europe provides. Let us face these challenges and opportunities, by joining forces, by listening and by making our voices heard."

Princess Laurentien's entire Cultural Forum for Europe speech can be read here.

Princess Máxima Receives SIRE Jubilee Book

Established in 1967, Stichting Ideële Reclame (SIRE) is a foundation for non-commercial campaigns. As part of the 40th year jubilee celebration, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands participated in a conference and received a jubilee book exhibiting the campaigns of the organization. The main objective for SIRE is to draw attention to urgent issues that would otherwise be treated with indifference. SIRE does not receive government or institutional type funding. Instead, the air time, ad space and other work is donated by the advertising and web agencies.

Photo: ANP

Second Grandchild for Luxembourg's Grand Duke and Grand Duchess

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg announced the birth of their second grandchild, Noah. Tessy, wife of Prince Louis, gave birth at 2:30pm (local time) on September 21st at the Maternité Grande-Duchesse Charlotte in Luxembourg. Louis and Tessy have an eighteen month old son named Gabriel.

Princess Máxima Converses with World Bank President

On September 20th, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands met with the president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick in Washington, D.C. to discuss her work with the United Nations Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors, a group that was formed in 2006 to oversee the agenda that began with the 2005 International Year of Microcredit. Not exceeding the two year term assignment, the twenty-five advisors counsel the "United Nations system and member states on global issues relating to inclusive finance."

Rania Pleads for Peace One Day

September 21st is designated the International Day of Peace. It was ratified unanimously by the United Nations member states in 2001.

It all began with the vision of British filmmaker James Gilley to establish an annual day of peace. With his film, Peace One Day, he spoke with illustrious humanitarians and visited war-torn countries to enlighten the “consciousness of the fundamental issue to protect one another.”

Before concert goers at the Peace One Day event, Queen Rania of Jordan gave her insight on the Middle Eastern violence when her taped speech was aired at the Royal Albert Hall in London, yesterday.

“Thank you for being part of this wonderful event.”

“In my part of the world, we greet each other with “As-Salaam-Alaikum”…peace be upon you. And, although, the word ‘peace’ is part of our everyday language, the reality of peace is sadly absent from the lives of too many in the Middle East.”

“And it is particularly painful at this time of the year – the Holy month of Ramadan – a month of giving, when we share what we have, with those who do not have enough… a month of empathy, when we feel with the vulnerable, the poor and the hungry.”

“Yet too many of my people – mothers, fathers, children in Palestine and Iraq - are starved of the thing they need the most: peace.”

“Peace means our children can fall asleep to a mother’s soft voice, not screaming sirens … play with building blocks, not watch their homes destroyed… make friends not lose them…dream up big plans for the future, not wonder if they will have one.”

“Peace also means hope – and by raising your voices for peace, you are giving hope to millions around the world.”

“Thank you for supporting Peace One Day. Whatever pledge you made for peace on this day – take it forward. Make it a pledge for all your days.”

Peace One Day is a non-profit organization. The objective is “to engage all sectors of society, including governments, organisations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organisations and individuals in observance of 21 September, through the practical manifestation of non-violence and ceasefire in accordance with UN GA Resolution 55/282, and encourage action on Peace Day that creates a united and sustainable world.”

To read more about Peace One Day and the man behind the vision, British filmmaker James Gilley, visit the official website.

Princess Amalia Starts School

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands will go into group 1 at the Openbare Bloemcampschool in Wassenaar on December 10, 2007. Just a couple of days before her school appearance, the little princess will celebrate her 4th birthday on December 7th.

Photo: The Prince of Orange

Frederik of Denmark Targets New York with Creative Nation

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark appeared in New York City this week to promote Danish industry and design. The campaign was titled Creative Nation. Some of the events on his business agenda included the ringing of the opening bell on Wednesday at the New York Stock Exchange and a visit to the New York Times headquarters to survey Danish innovation in the building.

The prince’s trip encompassed a variety of Danish interests. Whilst in Paramus, New Jersey, Frederik engaged in scientific observation at Lundbeck Research USA, a Danish pharmaceutical company devoted to the research and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Known for his love of sailing, the prince visited the US Coast Guard operations at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, New York. He watched as personnel in the Vessel Traffic Service coordinated the movements of cargo and passenger vessels in the ports of New York and New Jersey.

On Friday, he recounted some of his adventures at a press conference before flying back to Denmark.

Photo: Jens Dige/DI

Princess Haya Declared UN Messenger of Peace

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has declared Princess Haya of Jordan a UN messenger for peace. The secretary-general said, "I know you make a compelling advocate for our shared goal of ending the suffering of the more than one billion people in the world who continue to live in extreme poverty."

Princess Haya is committed to her new responsibility and said, "I consider it my inherited duty to help relieve the plight of people who suffer the devastating effects of poverty".

The declaration was part of the International Day of Peace celebration that occurred on September 21st.

Infanta Sofía Presented to the Virgin of Atocha

Infanta Sofía joined her sister and father in a long family tradition of being presented to the Virgin of Atocha. The short service took place at the Virgin of Atocha Basilica, yesterday, to impart blessing and protection on little Sofía’s behalf. The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid Antonio María Rouco Varela greeted the Prince and Princess Asturias at the church as the five month old princess smiled and cooed in her mother’s arms. She serenely surveyed her surroundings whilst the service progressed. Even when applause broke out; it did not agitate her. After the service, a well-wisher bestowed a lovely token upon the little princess. The trinket was then placed around her neck by her mother.

Photo: REUTERS/Angel Diaz

Queen Sofía Welcomes Pandas from China

Queen Sofía of Spain welcomed two pandas on loan from the Chinese government at the Madrid zoo, today. Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba are part of a new breeding programme to assure the survival of the species.

Queen Sofía and King Juan Carlos had officially visited China from June 24th to June 29th to promote the "Year of Spain in China" exchange program and bilateral trade relations. It was there that the pandas were presented to the queen, but the animals did not arrive in Spain until September 8th.

Prinsjesdag 2007: State Opening of Parliament Speech From The Throne

With much pomp and circumstance, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands read her speech before a joint session of the two Houses of the States General on September 18th. Below are some highlights from her address.

"Members of the States General,"

"Our country has many grounds for hope and confidence. The economic prospects are good. Entrepreneurs and consumers are optimistic. Young people are able to find jobs quickly."

"There are also hopeful developments in fields other than the economy. More and more people are willing to make an effort to help each other and improve our living environment."

"Now in particular we have opportunities to take measures that will make our country stronger. We must take full advantage of these opportunities."

"Our country has major tasks ahead. We know that the average age of our population is rising. Businesses and public services like health care and education are facing labour shortages. This raises the question of how we will safeguard our prosperity and well-being in the future."

"The growth of our economy will also have to take place in a more sustainable manner."

"Too many people feel unsafe. Preventing and combating terrorism, crime and violence continue to demand much of our attention."

"Dutch society is changing rapidly, and our population is becoming more diverse.People sometimes feel uncertain; they are looking for something to hold on to and a sense of security. These feelings can have a profound impact on people’s lives. Therefore additional efforts are needed to increase social cohesion in our country and reinforce tolerance and mutual respect."

"Change can be a source of strength. In the past, renewal has brought progress to the Netherlands. Our capacity to change and innovate is what gives us the dynamism that is indispensable if we are to engage successfully with the challenges of the future. With its budget for 2008, the Government is making a contribution to meeting these challenges."



Queen Beatrix's entire Prinsjesdag 2007 speech can be read here.

Photos: ANP

Prince Joachim Promotes Danish Industry in Russia

From September 12th to September 16th, Prince Joachim of Denmark was promoting the Danish industry in Russia. He was invited by the Kremlin Zoria Foundation and various Danish companies. Some of the places Joachim visited included the Rigla Pharmacy, Bang & Olufsen Company and a BROEN Production Ltd. factory. He observed the work of several Danish pharmaceutical companies at the Danish Health Care Exhibition and attended a presentation of Christmas trees by the Danish Association of Christmas tree Farmers.

For a cultural experience, the prince toured the Dmitry Zhilinsky Exhibition at the State Tretyakov Gallery which featured portraits of the Royal Danish court.

Diplomatically, the prince was guest of honour at a Moscow Military Tattoo in Red Square on September 14th.

Prince Joachim closed his visit to Russia with a lunch at the Hotel Kolomna hosted by Kolomna District Administration Head Nikolai Ottyasov.

Máxima And Willem-Alexander Toast "Uitblinkers"

As a way of saying “thank you” for a standard of higher excellence, The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherland have hosted a luncheon at the Paleis Noordeinde for “Uitblinkers.” The Dutch invitees are highly skilled and have distinguished themselves in the fields of sport, art, journalism, education, science and the business world.

Princess Annette Expecting Third Child

The Dutch Royal House has announced that Princess Annette and Prince Bernhard are expecting their third child.The predicted date is March 2008. The princess is the daughter-in-law of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and professor mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven. Annette and Bernhard have one daughter and one son. Isabella Lily Juliana is five years old and Samuel Bernhard Louis is three years old.

Photo: ANP

Speeding Traffic Violation Committed by Princess Annette

On August 31st, Princess Annette, wife of Prince Bernhard, was stopped for speeding in Uddel. She was driving 155 km/hour in an 80km/hour zone. Her license was temporarily suspended for the violation. The matter will be resolved by the justice of the peace in the district of Zutphen.

Queen Rania's China Visit

From September 4th to September 7th, Queen Rania of Jordan visited China to champion some causes close to her heart. The queen tirelessly advocates for women, children and education. She is UNICEF’s First Eminent Advocate for Children and a FYGL Foundation Board Member.

While visiting a migrant community located in the Shibalidian Township in Chaoyang District, Beijing, Rania highly praised her hosts.

“I am very impressed by the work that is being done here – and elsewhere in Beijing, and China at large – to address the needs of migrant communities, particularly mothers and children.” “What I have seen here today is a model of good practice in tackling the challenges posed by large migrant communities. It attests to the commitment of the Chinese government, alongside UNICEF, the WHO and other civil society organizations, to ensure that their children have not just the right start, but the best start of life.”

On Friday, she attended the Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China and challenged the audience to reexamine their 'global conversations' and ‘cultural chasm.'

"For all the technological advances of our time, we are connected but we are not connecting. Even as global challenges underscore our interdependence, our world remains fragmented."

"We see it in the mutual misunderstanding afflicting the world’s great diverse cultures, not only among different countries but increasingly within them as well. We hear tense debates over immigration, assimilation, and integration."

"And for me, as an Arab, a Muslim, and a member of the global community, the schism that worries me most is the growing gulf of fear and misunderstanding between the Muslim world and the West …our failure to speak the same language…our failure to find common ground in our conversations…our failure to see eye to eye..."

"Sadly, too often when I travel around my region, and to the West, I hear discussions about this cultural chasm dominated by words of blame and hostility, uttered in tones of mistrust and intolerance."

"It seems to me that while global commerce is surging ahead, our global conversation is falling behind."

"Why?"

"I believe we are missing the moral language of the conscience. We are missing the graceful conversation of the heart. We are missing the humanitarian perspective that helps us to see through another person’s eyes... and to empathize – person to person… neighbor to neighbor… us to them..."

"I am convinced that your voices can help change the global conversation…and reassert the basic values that are at the heart of our common humanity – the ABCs of a common language."

"You can be New Champions not only of commerce, but of conciliation; not only of trade but of tolerance; not only of profit, but of peace and understanding."

"You can and must play a key role in bridging the East West divide and one way in which you can do this is to be New Champions of what I call Corporate Multicultural Responsibility..."

"Each of us has a role to play, because we are all on the same team. Because the more our world community pulls together, the more chances every nation and every individual will have to prosper."

"In fact, the official slogan of the Beijing Olympics – ‘One World, One Dream’ – just four simple words - sums it up very well."

"Those four words speak of the Olympic spirit of global unity, an idea that is eternally new even though its origins go back to the beginning of civilization. It is a dream that is every bit as eastern as it is western. For it was a disciple of Confucius, Mencius, who wrote, 'a good citizen in one community will befriend the other citizens of the community; a good citizen of the world will befriend the other citizens of the world.'"

"I hope that when you leave Dalian, and return to your countries, you too are infused with the Olympic spirit, and will join your voices with those of 1.3 billion Chinese people all calling for ‘One World, One Dream’… so that Beijing’s legacy to the world is more than a wonderful Olympic arena…more than words of harmony and hope, but the foundation of a new world team – one that is joined together by mutual respect, common goals, and shared understanding."

Photo: Petra

Infanta Leonor Begins Preschool

The Prince and Princess of Austrias enrolled Infanta Leonor at the Escuela Infantil de la Guardia Real this week. The adorable tot was dressed in the school's uniform of light blue shorts and white top for her first day. As she walked up the drive toward the school, the little princess helped her parents by wheeling her backpack behind her.

Photo: REUTERS

First Birthday for Prince Hisahito

Yesterday, Prince Hisahito of Japan celebrated his first birthday. The Imperial Household released photos of Hisahito interacting with his family, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako. The adorable toddler displayed a winsome smile while posing for the cameras.

Since his birth, the Japanese Diet has decided not to change the law of agnatic succession which does not allow Princess Aiko to succeed her father. Little Hisahito is the next heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his uncle, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Photos: The Imperial Household Agency

Guestlist of Willem-Alexander's Belated Birthday Celebration at the Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn

It was a grand gathering of royals for the Prince of Orange, yesterday, at the Paleis het Loo in Apeldoorn which included his three daughters, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane. They participated with their parents in a carriage ride and the photo ops. Though not mentioned on the guestlist, Princess Máxima’s parents, Jorge Zorreguieta and María del Carmen Cerruti and her brother Martin were present at the festivities.


The list of the illustrious guests that appeared at the Paleis het Loo in Apledoorn, September 1st.

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
Princess Máxima of the Netherlands
Prince Friso and Princess Mabel van Oranje-Nassau
Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands
Prince Carlos de Bourbon de Parme
Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme
Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme
Princess Carolina de Bourbon de Parme
Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and professor mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven
Prince Maurits and Princess Marilène van Oranje-Nassau
Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette van Oranje-Nassau
Prince Pieter-Christiaan and Princess Anita van Oranje-Nassau
Prince Floris and Princess Aimée van Oranje-Nassau

Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium
Prince Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan
Princess Badiya bint El Hassan of Jordan and K.E. Blair
Prince Rashid bint El Hassan of Jordan
Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein
Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway
The Prince and Princess of Asturias
Infanta Cristina of Spain and Iñaki Urdangarin
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
The Earl and Countess of Wessex

Prince Kyril and Princess Rosario of Preslav (Bulgaria)
Prince Kardam and Princess Miriam of Tirnovo (Bulgaria)
Archduke Karl Christian of Habsburg-Lotharingen and Archduchess Marie-Astrid of Habsburg-Lotharingen

Photos: ANP

Jordan Television Interview with King Abdullah II

Jordan Television was granted an interview recently by King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss his insight into the elections, diplomacy, the peace process and the economic situation of the Jordanian people.

Official transcript from Jordan Television of King Abdullah II's interview.

Q1: "Your Majesty, in your last interview with JTV, you spoke about holding municipal and legislative elections during this year regardless of the difficult regional situation. Municipal elections were held and now we have parliamentary elections. What does Your Majesty hope for these elections and what do you say to your people in this regard?"

KA: "This good giving people deserves from us a lot of hard work for its sake, and for a better future for coming generations; We should continue our efforts to enhance democracy in the country, and provide an atmosphere of freedom and openness that enables our citizens to participate in decision-making."

"We are committed to holding, this year, fair parliamentary elections, in which all participate, because Jordan is for all citizens, regardless of their political or tribal affiliations."

"We hope that elections will return a strong parliament that would meet the expectations and challenges facing our country."

"Neither the security situation nor the most recent dangerous developments in the region will stop our modernization and development. I have confidence that people are capable of surmounting all of these challenges and of holding parliamentary elections. We are counting on people’s awareness and ability to choose whoever is the best, the most efficient and the most capable of representing them and serving the homeland's interests."

Q2: "Your Majesty, regarding the difficult economic conditions, how do you foresee future economic developments in the country?"

KA: "I am personally aware of the citizens’ daily concerns about the difficult economic conditions. These conditions are the result of several domestic and regional factors. We cannot control the regional factors, but preparation and readiness to meet these conditions are better than wasting time in complaining and regretting that such conditions exist."

"In order to face up to these conditions, an integrated social safety net must be established that guarantees for the Jordanian citizens the basic health and comprehensive social services, housing and decent life for every citizen."

Q3: "Your Majesty, what about the long-range or strategic plans which have been made to improve the people's livelihood?"

KA: "Definitely there are. The afore-mentioned thoughts are part of the efforts exerted to improve the citizen's livelihood and economic situation. There are plans and efforts to deal with several economic problems; primary among them is the general debt."

"The largest part of our international effort aims to reduce this debt and attract more investment. My recent visit to Kazakhstan and other states could be categorized in this direction. The debt issue was also discussed recently with some major donor states and organizations, primary among them the countries of the G8. We are encouraging them to buy these debts or exchange them for developmental investments that would contribute to job creation and poverty alleviation."

"I discussed this issue with the German chancellor, the French president, the American president and the Canadian prime minister. Soon we will have continuous communications with Japanese officials, including the Japanese prime minister. We hope that all these efforts will lead to a positive outcome and reduce the debt burden."

Q4: "Your Majesty, despite the achievements and high growth rates, some believe that citizens are shouldering additional burdens. When will people start feeling the economic benefits?"

KA: "Any process meant to improve the existing economic situation needs time and understanding, by our people, of the nature of this process. It needs sincere hard work from the ministers and responsible officials in follow-up and implementation of the economic initiatives that have been launched, and in launching other new initiatives."

"Objectively speaking, Jordan has already realized several achievements in the spheres of economic development, growth rates and enhancing market capacity to absorb the labor force. This has happened in spite of the regional conditions surrounding us, and the increasing price of oil."

"On the other hand, future economic plans and projects, a great number of which is still in the implementation phase, aim in the first place to fairly redistribute development returns to all the Kingdom's regions. In this context, we established special economic and development zones in different areas, such as Mafraq and Irbid, and, God willing, we will establish such zones in Ma'an and Azraq. Through these zones we seek to create projects that would employ the work force in these areas. Industrial cities and zones have also been established in most of the Kingdom's governorates."

"Talking about this matter reminds us of the support to Jordan by the Arab states. We convey our sincere thanks to the leaders of these states, primary among them the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz and the Government of Saudi Arabia, for their support to Jordan. We appreciate the recent Saudi initiative to contribute to the construction of a new housing city in Zarqa that aims at improving the economic and living conditions of a wide sector of our people."

Q5: "Your Majesty, on the peace process, sometimes there is optimism that it is moving forward... and at other moments, developments occur that take the whole process back to square one. How does Your Majesty see the future?"

KA: "In spite of the stumbling of the peace process, and in spite of all the events and recent developments that are taking place in Palestine and Iraq, we are still optimistic regarding the future. We are working to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that provides security and stability to the region."

"The American president's invitation for holding an international peace conference next autumn was the result of Jordan's numerous efforts with Arab states and other friendly states, especially following the Arab Summit held in Riyadh, to put the peace process back on the right track."

"We consider this conference, in which Jordan will participate, a positive step towards realizing the peace to which we aspire, and we hope that the conference will be a significant opportunity to resolve the core conflict in the region, that between Israelis and Palestinians, in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative."

Q6: "Your Majesty, now the Palestinian discord presents another threatening dimension to the peace process. How do you view this situation?"

KA: "Definitely… and our Palestinian brothers should benefit from this opportunity to unify their efforts and stances. The separation of Gaza from the West Bank is unacceptable at both the Palestinian and Arab levels."

"When we talk about a Palestinian state, we mean a state that is established on Palestinian lands in Gaza and the West Bank. So we call upon all our Palestinian brothers to let sound judgment and reason prevail, and to unify their ranks to surmount their suffering and realize their legitimate national goals and ambitions."

Q7: "Your Majesty, the extremists from both sides try to undermine the progress achieved in the peace process. What can we do to stop these people? And what is specifically required from Israel?"

KA: "We are aware in Jordan of all these attempts that seek to preserve the state of instability in the region. It is regrettable that there are states and other actors that prefer to maintain the status quo. Since the reign of my great grandfather, there have been several initiatives to find a solution to the conflict in Palestine; had the political forces in the Arab-Islamic world and the international community accepted these initiatives, things would not be as they are today."

"Regrettably, some people opposed these initiatives – including the 1947 Palestine Partition Plan which guaranteed the establishment of a Palestinian State."

"It is time to translate the efforts that have been exerted into real actions on the ground. It is time for Israel to recognize the rights of the Palestinian people, and to realize that if it wants to be recognized by the Arab and Islamic states, and to have a future in this region, it should act and cooperate for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian land."

Q8: "Your Majesty, while there are parties that seek to obstruct the peace process, others are targeting Jordan by bringing up the issues of federation and confederation. What do these people want from Jordan?"

KA: "Confederation with whom? And on what basis? Is it a confederation with the Palestinian people? Or with the PLO? Or with any other Palestinian organization? I want answers to these questions. I would like also to inquire about the reason for asking this question always at certain moments, especially when the international community has intensified its call on Israel to abide by resolutions of international legitimacy and the establishment of the Palestinian state."

"What we all know is that confederation is a relation between two states that enjoy complete independence, sovereignty over territory with clearly defined geographic borders. Our stance on this matter is clear, and we have declared that stance on several occasions, but it appears that some media personalities and some politicians – and it is regrettable to say that a number of them are in Jordan – do not want to listen and instead wish to continue with this suspicious role, fishing in stagnant waters. So any talk about federation or confederation before the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is suspect, unreasonable, and intended to stir discord. It is completely unacceptable."