Excerpts: Gravity of Syrian government's finances. Jordan supports
Palestinian National Authority January 30, 2012

+++SOURCE: Syria Report 30 Jan.’12: ”Syrian Government to Reverse Decision
on Oil Subsidies”

SUBJECT: Gravity of Syrian government’s finances

TEXT:The Syrian authorities are preparing to raise again the price of
heating oil, less than a year after they decided to reduce it, a decision
that is likely to create discontent among the population but reflects the
gravity of the situation for the Government’s finances.

+++JORDAN TIMES 30 Jan.’12:”King receives Hamas chief in presence of Qatar
crown prince”

Heading:”His Majesty says unity will strengthen Palestinian position”

SUBJECT: Jordan supports Palestinian National Authority

QUOTE: “the King underlined Jordan’s support for the Palestinian National
Authority (PNA)

FULL TEXT: His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday[29 Jan.] said Palestinian
unity achieved through reconciliation will strengthen the Palestinian people’s
position and restore their legitimate rights.

At a meeting in Amman with Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al
Thani in the presence of Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal, the King underlined
Jordan’s support for the Palestinian National Authority in its efforts to
realise the aspirations of the Palestinian people, a Royal Court statement
said.

He noted that negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, with
the support of the international community, is the only way to restore the
rights of the Palestinian people.

His Majesty also stressed Jordan’s support for the Palestinian people’s
right to establish their own independent state within the 1967 borders with
East Jerusalem as its capital through negotiations that should be based on
the two-state solution and international resolutions, which, he said, is a
top priority for Jordan.

He said Jordan will continue to carry out its duties towards the Palestinian
people through providing Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
with the needed assistance to alleviate their suffering and help them
overcome the difficult conditions facing them.

In remarks to the press after the meeting, Mishaal said Hamas respects its
ties with Jordan and respects any limits set to regulate these relations.

He stressed that the intersecting Jordanian-Palestinian relations must be
addressed in a manner that serves the historic ties between the two peoples
and their national interests

The Islamist movement’s politburo chief said Hamas categorically rejects the
so-called alternative homeland and resettlement plan and insists on
restoring the full rights of the Palestinian people, so that “Palestine will
be Palestine and Jordan will be Jordan”.

Mishaal commended the visit’s timing, at the beginning of the year, voicing
hope that it will be the first step to consolidate the deep ties with Jordan
in the best interest of all parties.

The Islamist leader added that Hamas was eager to develop “close and unique
relations” with Jordan, noting that Hamas cares for Jordan’s security and
stability.

He expressed his appreciation of the King’s efforts to support Palestinians
in Gaza, citing the Jordanian military field hospital deployed there. He
also commended the Hashemite renovations of holy sites in Jerusalem.

During the meeting on Sunday, held at the Royal Offices in Hummar in Amman,
King Abdullah stressed his commitment to strengthen ties with Qatar in
various fields in order to serve the interests of both countries, the
statement said.

Talks also focused on the latest regional developments.

The two leaders agreed to continue consultation and coordination between the
two countries to enhance peace and stability in the region and serve Arab
interests and issues.

Sheikh Tamim conveyed the greetings of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa
Al Thani to the Monarch.

His Majesty also held a lunch banquet in honour of the Qatari crown prince,
Mishaal and their accompanying delegations.

Also on Sunday, the King and Sheikh Tamim, who left the Kingdom later in the
day, visited the headquarters of the Joint Special Operations Forces and
attended a military exercise carried out by one of its units.

============
Sue Lerner - Associate, IMRA