Washington, October 27: US President Barack Obama has said that the peace treaty inked between Israel and Jordan 15 years ago is a source of inspiration to bring lasting peace in the region, which he is endeavouring to do.
“As we work with Arabs and Israelis to expand the circle of peace, we take inspiration from what Jordan and Israel achieved fifteen years ago, knowing that the destination is worthy of the struggle,” Obama said in a statement issued on the occasion of 15th anniversary of the landmark event yesterday.
Signed in 1994 in the presence of the then US President, Bill Clinton, the Israel-Jordan Peace treaty normalised relations between the two countries and resolved territorial disputes between them. The treaty also made Jordan only the second country after Egypt to normalise relations with Israel.
“As we honour this historic event, we remember that peace is always possible despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles,” Obama said.
“The courage of King Hussein (of Jordan) and (Israeli) Prime Minister Rabin demonstrated that a commitment to communication, cooperation, and genuine reconciliation can help change the course of history,” he said.
“Today we honour the foresight of these leaders who stared down the past’s doubters and stood together in the interest of common progress,” Obama said in the statement.
–Agencies