King Hussein of Jordan was the Middle East's longest serving leader. During his 47 year reign, Jordan played a vital political role in the region, disproportionate to its size and wealth. This reflected Jordan's strategic geographical position, in the midst of some of the most influential countries in the Middle East, but it was also due in great measure to the wisdom, personal vision and tenacity of the King who, for many years, was a central figure in the quest for Arab-Israeli peace.
At his funeral yesterday, the huge gathering of world leaders was a testimony to the extent of King Hussein's influence on regional and world affairs. As one report put it yesterday, "Kings, princes, presidents and even sworn enemies gathered together" to bid farewell to this exceptional man. President McAleese and the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Michael Woods, represented Ireland at the formal ceremonies which demonstrated the great respect and affection in which the King was held in Ireland and throughout the world. Most importantly, this respect was shared by his own neighbours, both Arab and Israeli. The representation at the funeral was an acknowledgment of King Hussein's achievements in promoting the well-being of the people of Jordan and of neighbouring countries.
King Hussein worked tirelessly for over 40 years for peace in the Middle East. He negotiated for his people a landmark peace treaty with Israel in 1994. Just last October, he left his hospital bed to help advance the negotiations which ultimately led to the Wye River Memorandum between Israel and the Palestinians.
President Clinton said that it takes a rare kind of courage to be a peacemaker – the courage to learn from the past and imagine a better future. He, more than anyone, knows what the late King Hussein contributed to the search for peace in the region. As President Clinton said, "when peace finally comes to the Middle East, his name will be inscribed upon it."
During my recent visit to the Middle East, I had the opportunity to see at first hand the situation in the region and to meet with some of the leaders who are working to shape a better future for their respective peoples. When I discussed the peace process with them, King Hussein's positive influence and contribution was stressed on many occasions.
In my conversations with the leaders whom I met, I reaffirmed the commitment of the Irish Government to support and encourage all those seeking peace. I underlined our wish to see a resumption of the implementation by all sides of the Wye River Agreement. I find it particularly sad that King Hussein, having played an important role in bringing about the Wye Accord, has died without seeing its full implementation.
It is through maintaining the momentum of the Wye River Agreement and working towards the full achievement of an acceptable and lasting solution to the situation in the Middle East that the best tribute could be paid to the memory of King Hussein. It is important that the example he set is followed by all the parties in the Middle East peace process.
In February 1997, the King and Queen Noor paid a visit to Ireland. Those who met him found him to be perceptive and caring. King Hussein had many friends and well-wishers in Ireland and we are grateful for the contribution he made to the warm relations between our countries.
He grew from boyhood to manhood as King and his country grew with him. After 47 not always easy years on the throne, King Hussein has left a void which will be very difficult to fill. Our thoughts are with the fourth Hashemite monarch in Jordan, King Abdullah. I trust his task will be made easier by the assistance of Crown Prince Hamza. King Abdullah has promised to continue the work of his father in support of peace in the Middle East. We salute his commitment and wish him well.
The Government extends its sincerest condolences to King Abdullah and to all the bereaved family of the late King Hussein.