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November 18, 2005 |
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THE WORLD CONDEMNS THE EXPLOSIONS AND THE JORDANIAN KING CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO UNVEIL THE AIMS OF TERRORIST GROUPS. MOVIE PRODUCER MOSTAFA AL-AKKAD AND THE HEAD OF THE PALESTINIAN INTELLIGENCE KILLED IN THE ATTACKS. Hundreds of Jordanians participated in a silent procession and ceremony - Ma'an Madoon - Together Forward to mourn the tragic events of 9 November 2005 and to demonstrate Jordan's united position with the world against terrorism. The procession was led by a bride dressed in mourning clothes, representing the city of "Amman" and its grief, outrage and despair over the recent terrorist attacks. The bride was accompanied in her walk by children of Jordan symbolizing the optimism of the future and the determination of the Jordanian spirit to overcome this tragedy. The ceremony was held at the Third Circle, with the Grand Hyatt as the backdrop of the event and began with the call to prayer and sounding of the church bells. "Amman" delivered a powerful message to the world, defiant in her courage, channeling grief and suffering into love, hope and light. "My sun still shines, my spirit soars? my heart is open, my soul sings in unison with the world? together we stand, together we walk, together forward, Ma'an Madoon," said "Amman". Two songs were written and performed especially for today's ceremony by renowned Jordanian musician Tarek Nasser and RUM, sending messages of Jordanian's courageous spirit and will to overcome this tragedy. Images of terrorist attacks from around the world were also displayed uniting all people and countries who have suffered the same pain as Jordan. The second song was supported by visuals which evolved into hope and glory. Video clip and email messages from people expressing sympathy and support from around the world were also shown. The ceremony ended with all participants joining together to sing the national anthem of Jordan. The Making of Ma'an Madoon - Together Forward How it began A group of friends, all asking themselves, what they could do to help Jordan, came together on the day after the attacks, and came up with the idea to create the event. Its objective was to allow Jordanians the opportunity to come together to grieve this tragedy, and begin to channel that energy into hope and light, to show the world, the true spirit of the Jordanian people, united with the world against terror. Ma'an Madoon was implemented in 3 days. Jordanian King Abdullah II vowed to crack down on supporters of terrorism following the triple bombings. "Whoever justifies terror acts or instigates them is a partner in the crime, and we will never accept anyone who defends any ideology that supports violence and harming innocent people,"Abdullah told Petra news agency. The king said the serial bombings marks a major turning point in our dealings with those who support or back terrorism, calling for international cooperation to fight terrorism which is a sick phenomenon that crosses borders. "The crime that happened won't push us to become a policestate, but there will be a balance between freedom and security in a way that will comfort our people and guests," Abdullah said. He stressed that "fighting terrorism must consider those who justify evil terrorist crimes or instigate them in any way.""We won't treat leniently those holding the twisted ideology oftakfiri (those who consider others infidels) .... and let them to have a place among us," he added. Meanwhile, Abdullah tried to soothe any Iraqi fear that they would not be welcome in Jordan, saying "I would like to tell Iraqis living in Jordan that you are among your people and we won't allow al-Zarqawi or other terrorists to divide us. Jordan willkeep being a safe haven for you." On the other hand security and media sources in Amman said that the Palestinian intelligence department official in the West Bank, Maj. Gen. Bashir Nafe, who was in the al-Hayat Grand hotel is among the persons killed in the explosion. The spokesman for the Palestinian embassy in Amman, Ata al-Khaieir, said that Maj. Gen. Nafe ( in his fifties ) was not in a mission but stopped in Amman on his way to the Palestinian territories. The World- renowned Syrian film maker Mustafa al-Aqqad( 68 year old) was also killed along with his daughter Rima. Family relatives said al-Aqqad was strongly wounded in his neck and lost much of his blood and died later. The Jordanian government accused the leader of al-Qaida organization in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi of being the main suspect in the three explosions which shook three hotels in the capital Amman on Wednesday. The Jordanian deputy prime minister Marwan al-Muaashar said in a televised statement that al-Qaida and al-Zarqawi are deliberately involved in the missile attacks in Aqaba several months ago. "As you know I believe that he is the main suspect in this case but I can not say that this has been confirmed." So far no side claimed responsibility for the explosions. The three explosions took place in three various hotels in the Jordanian capital Amman and resulted in killing 67 persons and injuring 300 others. The three explosions targeted "Grand Hayat," " Radisson," in addition to Days Inn hotel" which is situated in al-Rabeya quarters near the Israeli embassy. The three explosions took place consequently at 7 p.m. ( GMT), (9 p.m. Jordan local time). Muaasher said that two suicide bombers detonated themselves in the two Grand al-Hayat and Radisson Sass while one booby trapped car went off in Days Inn. The Jordanian official explained that the majority of the victims were in Radisson Sass hotel because the suicide bomber detonated himself during an ongoing wedding ceremony. Meantime, AFP quoted Jordanian security sources as saying that the suicide bomber who detonated himself had an "Iraqi dialect," according to the testimony of one of the hotel's employees. The sources stressed that the suicide bomber appear clearly in the video tape pictures of the cameras in al-Hayat grand hotel and his identity has been verified. The Jordanian security authorities imposed a security belt in the surrounding of the hotels which were exposed to three explosions, and rescue teams evacuated the victims from Radisson hotel which is often visited by Asian and European diplomats. News report in Amman said that the explosion in Radisson Sass took place during a wedding part, noting that this hotel witnessed similar attacks attempt in 2000. The news reports also said that the Jordanian security forces intensified security measures and imposed a security belt around hotels and headquarters of the diplomatic missions in Jordan. In a preventive measures, the Jordanian government decided to close the ministries, public establishments and circles and schools today, Thursday. The news said that the Jordanian authorities arrested several persons inside Radisson Sass hotel in Amman including employees and clients. The attacks came at a time when the general attorney issued a decision against 6 persons in an organization called "Saraya Khattab " ( Khattab group) under the charge of conspiring with the intention to carry out terrorist acts targeting alcohol selling shops and American targets in Jordan. Security sources said that the arrested men tried to buy a poisonous material to kill owners of alcohol shops and its clients. A security source said that some 200 persons were detained since the occurrence of the attacks which targeted the hotels of Amman's Radisson Sass and Days Inn in a vast campaign targeted Islamists. Meantime, the police inspected the poor quarters in the capital Amman inhabited by Iraqi workers, adding some of the detained persons were released. For his part, the Jordanian deputy prime minister Marwan al-Muaasher said that the authorities detained 12 persons suspected to be involved in these explosions while the American embassy in Amman announced that three Americans were killed and other 4 injured. Muaasher did not disclose the nationalities of the suspects, but the minister of the Interior Aouni Yarfas indicated earlier that among the interrogated persons are Iraqis. Muaasher also added that medical judiciary experts are making analysis for the DNA of three men expected to be the suicide bombers. The sources indicated that the investigations concentrate on the testimony of two of the employees of the three hotels, who talked with the executors of the explosions. One of them was speaking with an Iraqi dialectic and the second of a Gulf dialect and believed to be also an Iraqi. In the course of Jordan's determination to fight "terrorism", the Jordanian King Abdullah II vowed to fight terrorists. In a meeting with the Jordanian News Agency Petra, the Jordanian king stressed that the explosions of what he called "black Wednesday" constituted a great turning point for Jordan in dealing with those who support, or sympathizes with terrorism, describing the current war as the war between the majority of Muslims who believe in "true Islam" and between a "mislead group which wants to distort the image of Islam and Muslims." He added that the ones who provokes terrorism or justify it is also a partner in the crime, stressing that such a position will not be accepted by any individual, side, or party. He stressed that those whom he called terrorists will not be able to impose their political agenda on Jordan, nor be able to affect Jordan's relations with its Arab brothers. On the other hand The Jordanian authorities announced it uncovered the cell behind the explosion which targeted three hotels in Amman on Wednesday evening which claimed the lives of 57 persons and scores of injured. Jordan's deputy prime minister Marwan aMuaasher said that the cell includes three Iraqis. They are Jasem Muhammad ( 23 year old); Safa Muhammad ( 23 year old) and Ali Hussein al-Shummari and his wife Sajedah Atrous al-Reisjawi. In a press conference in Amman, Muaasher added that investigations revealed that the four Iraqi entered Amman via al-Karamah crossing on the Iraqi- Jordanian borders on the fifth of November, and then they rented an apartment in Talla Ali area in the capital Amman for one month. Muaasher explained that intelligence investigations revealed that the four left the apartment on November 9 and did not return to it. They rented a car and went to Radisson Sass hotel and Sajedah was wearing cloths showing that she is going to a party. This showed their determination to kill as much as possible of men." The Jordanian minister added that Sajedah entered the wedding party hall and tried to detonate herself but the bomb did not go off, and then her husband asked to leave the hall and he detonated himself. Muaasher said that the Jordanian security forces could arrest Sajedah who entered Jordan using a false Iraqi passport and that she confessed to the plan which was carried out. The Jordanian minister indicated that Sajedah is the sister of Tamer al-Reishawi, the leader of al-Qaida organization in al-Anbar, who was considered the right hand for the leader of al-Qaida organization in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, noting that al-Reishawi was killed in Iraq, earlier. Muaasher said that the executors of the attacks aimed to kill as many people as possible, noting that investigations showed that no Jordanians were involved in these explosions. But he stressed that the authorities are still investigating Jordanians who affiliate to al-Qaida organization in Iraq to know if they have links to these explosions. The Jordanian king Abdullah II said in press statements that the executors of the explosions came to Jordan from Iraq or Syria. Al-Qaida organization in Iraq claimed, in a statement on the Internet, responsibility for the explosions which it said targeted hotels in Amman used as shelters for the American and Israeli intelligence and that "secret planning are run from them regarding the so-called war against terrorism." In a later statement, the organization acknowledged that three Iraqis and the wife of one of them, known as Um Omera, were the executors of these explosions. Meanwhile Crown Prince of Dubai and Defense Minister of the UAE Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum expressed his country's support to Jordan and to King Abdullah II in confronting the impacts of the terrorist attacks that targeted Amman last Wednesday. Sheikh Muhammad expressed, in a message sent to King Abdullah II and conveyed by Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, confidence that King Abdullah and the Jordanian people are able to overcome the current circumstances and move forward in the march of development and progress. '' UAE people will increase their presence in Jordan as visitors and investors because they believe that Jordan is a secure and stable country ,'' said Sheikh Muhammad. He also called on thinkers and intellectuals to shoulder responsibilities and fight the stray thoughts and destructive calls, pointing that those who carried out the terrorist attacks are criminals not Moslems. King Abdullah II received phone calls from leaders of Arab and foreign countries during which they expressed condemnations of the terrorist acts that targeted Amman and killed dozens of innocent civilians. The leaders expressed support to Jordan's efforts, under the leadership of Abdullah II, in fighting terrorism. The calls were made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Moroccan King Muhammad VI, Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalefa Al Thani, Spanish King Juan Carlos. The King also received calls from the Bahrain Crown Prince, Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, and Lebanese Prime Minister. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Interior Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia phoned his Jordanian counterpart and condemned the attacks. Lebanese President Emile Lahoud condemned the terrorist attacks that targeted three five-star hotels in Amman, killing and wounding dozens of people. A press release issued by the Presidential Palace said that Lahoud cabled King Abdullah II of Jordan and expressed solidarity with Jordan. The Secretary-General of the Arab League Amre Moussa condemned the terrorist blasts that targeted innocent civilians in Amman, expressing deepest sympathy and condolences to King Abdullah and the Jordanian people. Palestinian Legislative Council also condemned the attacks and cancelled its session to mourn the victims. A press release issued by the council described the blasts as "criminal acts targeting innocent civilians", expressing the Palestinian National Authority's deepest sympathy and condolences to the Jordanian government and people, and wishing the wounded quick recovery. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak condemned the attacks and sent a cable of condolences to King Abdullah, assuring him of Egypt's support to the kingdom in facing terror. The Riyadh-based Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Amman, Jordan. In separate statements, the GCC and OIC said they supported all measures taken by Jordanian authorities to secure the safety of the Jordanian people. President Mahmoud Abbas dicussed over a phone call with King Abdullah II of Jordan the latest developments in the wake of Amman terrorist bombings. President Abbas Phoned King Abdullah II and conveyed his deep condolences over the death of scores of people in Amman explosions. President Abbas expressed his solidarity with the brotherly Jordanian people, renewing his condemnation of such a terror attack, which he described as a crime against humanity. In Ramallah, President Abbas participated in the funeral procession of four Palestinian officials killed in Amman terrorist attacks. President George W. Bush condemned Wednesday's suicide bombings in Jordan as "barbaric acts" and pledged U.S. support in the hunt for those responsible. "Today's terrorist bombings in Amman were cowardly attacks on innocent Jordanians and their guests," Bush said in a statement issued by the White House. "These barbaric acts again demonstrated the terrible cruelty of the terrorists and the great toll they take on civilized society." "To the people of Jordan and King Abdullah, we pledge our full support in their efforts to bring the terrorists to justice," Bush said. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called the attacks a "great tragedy" that shows "the very difficult war that we're fighting." Vladimir Putin has strongly condemned the string of terror attacks that killed at least 57 people in Amman, Jordan, saying he was deeply shocked by the developments in the capital of Jordan, the RIA-Novosti news agency reported. President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to King Abdallah II of Jordan, the Kremlin press service said. "I was deeply shocked to learn about the terrorist attacks in the capital of Jordan, the majority of victims being innocent people," the president's message said. Pope Benedict XVI sent a message of sympathy to King Abdullah II of Jordan, after terrorist attacks on three hotels in Amman killed and wounded a large number of Jordanian and foreigners. After condemning these "cruel acts of violence and disrespect for law and human life," the Pope sent his "heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, to the families of the deceased and to the entire nation." Foreign Secretary Jack Straw condemned the bombs attacks that ripped through three hotels in the Jordanian capital, Amman, as he arrived in the country to lend his support. He said: "My immediate thoughts go to the families and friends of the many who have been murdered or injured in such indiscriminate attacks. I have written to his Majesty the King of Jordan expressing our deepest condolences." Earlier Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent a personal message to the Jordanian government, in which he said he was shocked and saddened to hear of the attacks. He vowed: "We must stand together in this battle against the scourge of terrorism." President Jacques Chirac said France stood side-by-side with Jordan in its fight against terrorism. "The cruel terrorist attacks which hit Jordan cause horror and reprobation. In the name of France, I condemn them in the firmest way," Chirac said in a written message to King Abdullah made public by his office at the Elysee Palace. He continued: "More than ever, France stands at the side of Jordan in its fight against terrorism and in its resolute choice for peace and tolerance." Pakistan and Afghanistan strongly condemned the "heinous act of terrorism in Amman." Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message to King Abdullah strongly condemning the attacks. "Hu Jintao strongly condemns this terrorist attack and stresses that the Chinese government condemns all forms of terrorism and is willing to strengthen cooperation with the international community, including Jordan, to fight terrorism," it said. Venezuela strongly condemned the bombings. "The government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela express their strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated at hotels in Amman and regret the loss of innocent lives brought about by such acts," Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement also offered Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's condolences to the families of the victims of the hotel bombings, which it said were "deplorable acts of terror". Turkey's foreign minister called for greater international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi expressed shock, saying the international community must step up its fight against terrorism. Japan said "terrorism cannot be justified for any reason." "Our country reiterates our strong condemnation against such cruel acts of terrorism that victimise many innocent people," a foreign ministry statement said. Thailand's monarch sent a message to King Abdullah expressing his condolences. "I am greatly saddened by the news of the tragic bombings in Amman, which have caused considerable loss of lives and number of wounded persons," King Bhumibol Adulyadej said in the message. New Zealand said the bombings were "abhorrent" terror attacks. "Terrorist attacks of any kind must be condemned, but those which target innocent bystanders are particularly abhorrent," Prime Minister Helen Clark said of the blasts. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he was saddened by the deadly bombings in Amman and told King Abdullah that any compromise with terrorism was "forbidden," his office said. The prime minister telephoned the King to say he was "greatly saddened" by the attacks and offered any assistance that Jordan may require, his office said in a statement. Iran condemned the blasts and expressed sympathies to the Kingdom, saying such acts contradict with basic principles of human rights. The UN Security Council strongly condemned the hotel bombings that killed at least 59 people in Amman, as governments worldwide condemned the blasts as barbaric and called for greater efforts against terrorism. "The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist bombings that took place in Amman," said a UN statement read by Russia's UN envoy Andrei Denisov, the current council president. The council also stressed the need "to bring the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these intolerable acts to justice" and called on all states to help Jordanian authorities accordingly. The world has condemned the terrorist attacks in Jordan as King Abdullah II received a flow of phone calls from global leaders expressing their condolences and heartfelt for Jordanian people and condemnation against the terrorist acts that claimed scores of innocent citizens, reiterating their stand beside Jordan and support the king's efforts in confronting terrorism. King Abdullah received received phone calls from Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, and Grand Duke of Henry Duke of Luxembourg. World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz expressed his most sincere condolences on behalf of the World Bank Group Board and Staff in response to the November 9 bombings in Amman. In statement, Wolfowitz extended sincere condolences to King Abdullah II, the people of Jordan, and the victims' families on this brutal and senseless act of terrorism. Wolfowitz affirmed that the World Bank will continue its support to Jordan as it recovers from this tragedy. Earlier, EU president and officials expressed their condemnation to the terrorist acts and reaffirmed their complete rejection of all forms of terrorism. In a cable of condolences to King Abdullah II, President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barrose , expressed deep sympathy to the Jordanian people and to victims' families. EU Higher representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana also strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Amman. NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer also condemned the bombings in a separate statement. |
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