King Abdullah II Returns to the White House

Last month in the Oval Office, King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed with the President of the United States George W. Bush the ongoing efforts to establish lasting peace in the Middle East. Today, the Office of the Press Secretary (White House) released the following statement: "President Bush will meet with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. The President looks forward to discussing with the King bilateral U.S.-Jordanian relations, efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the situation in Lebanon, and other regional issues."

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 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.