King Visits US Embassy to Offer Condolences

Amman
29 October 2002

His Majesty King Abdullah II affirmed that the shock resulting from the assassination of the US Diplomat in Amman will not prevent us from continuing our efforts to combat terrorism. "Jordan will not tolerate with anyone who tries to tamper with its security and stability," the King said during a visit with Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah to the US Embassy to offer condolences to the US Ambassador Edward Gnehm and wife of the US diplomat Laurence Foley.

The King said that the crime was a disgraceful act because Foley and the USAID have had a big role in improving the life of Jordanians through supporting developmental projects in the north and the south.

Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania also signed a condolence book.

Foley, a 60-year old administrator at the US Agency for International Development was assassinated on Monday. He had been working with the USAID which has provided Jordan since it began work in 1952 with developmental aid totalling $1billion.

The US ambassador for his part expressed thanks and appreciation for Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania for their visit. "Anyone who knows the history of Jordan is aware that the country was a victim of terrorism," he said adding that the founder of Jordan King Abdullah I was the first victim of terrorism.

Gnehm added that this crime will not prevent the US from continuing its developmental programs in Jordan.