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His Majesty
King Abdullah's address to the nation.
I would
like to begin by extending my profound condolences to the
families of all the innocent victims who were killed, and we
are praying for a swift recovery for all of those who were
injured.
This is not the
first time that Jordan has been a target of terrorism. It is
also not the only country that has been a victim of terrorism;
there have been many countries in the region and throughout
the world which have been similarly terrorized by attacks of
greater scope and intensity.
We know,
however, that Jordan has been targeted more than any other
country for several reasons, among them, its role and its
message defending the essence of Islam -- the religion of
moderation and tolerance that abhors the terrorists who kill
innocents in Islam's name, even as Islam is innocent of such
crimes.
Let it be clear
to everyone that we will pursue these terrorists and those who
aide them; we will reach them wherever they are, pull them
from their lairs and submit them to justice.
Jordan does not
bow to coercion. We will not be intimidated into altering our
position, nor will we abandon our convictions or forfeit our
role in the fight against terrorism in all its forms. To the
contrary, every act of terrorism strengthens our resolve to
adhere to our convictions, and to confront, with all means at
our disposal, those who seek to undermine the security and
stability of this country.
Our confidence
in the security services and their ability to protect the
security of this country and its stability remains unwavering.
We have succeeded in preventing many planned attacks on this
country. For every infrequent success terrorists have had in
carrying out one of their crimes, we have had many more
successes in foiling their plots.
I appeal to
every citizen - man and woman - of this country to consider
himself or herself a soldier and a security officer. Each one
of you has a responsibility to protect your country.
Circumstances require each and every citizen to be cautious
and vigilant, and to cooperate with the security services to
prevent any attack on the security and stability of this
country. We must be united in confronting these terrorists,
who have neither a religion nor a conscience.
I am confident
that the patriots of Jordan - men and women - will maintain,
as they always have, a watchful eye over the country and its
security, and will be the first line of defense in protecting
Jordan and its achievements. Jordan will continue, with the
help of God and the determination of its people, to overcome
evil.
Finally, all my
thanks and appreciation go to our security, military and civil
institutions, as well as to the citizens of Jordan who have
acted as one in confronting the attacks on our precious
capital, Amman.
[End of speech.]
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When I watched the news reports of the terrorist attacks on the
three hotels in Amman, Jordan, I was grief-stricken. The next
day I felt dazed, at a loss for words, yet very much aware that I
needed to find the strength to face these horrible realities and
also the resolve to overcome. I found that renewal of confidence
as I read a speech from His Majesty, King Abdullah II, the King of
the Hasshemite Kingdom of Jordan. I would like to share those
words of inspiration with you.
.......stay sane.
