Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 2, 1993 TAG: 9310020203
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia made its first contribution to help the Palestinians establish self-rule on the West Bank and in Gaza.
Urged by the United States to "seize the moment," delegates from 43 countries pledged nearly $2 billion to bankroll the Palestinians as they prepare to take over administrative charge of the territories from Israel.
President Clinton, eager to carry forward the promise of a broader settlement in the Middle East, announced the United States would work with Jordan and Israel to foster joint economic projects that could spread throughout the region.
The Saudis buried the hatchet with the Palestine Liberation Organization, which they scorned for siding with Iraq in the Persian Gulf War, and pledged $100 million. Similarly, Clinton welcomed Jordan back into the fold, moving past the kingdom's refusal to support the United States as most other Arab nations did in the effort to reverse Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.
Hosting the White House meeting between Hassan and Peres, in which Jordan and Israel also agreed to accelerate cooperation on problems of the environment, water resources and common concerns, Clinton said, "This symbolizes a new relationship between Jordan and Israel marked by dialogue and acceptance rather than confrontation and rejection."
The joint economic committee could provide Jordan with a share of the contributions pledged at the donors' conference at the State Department and also facilitate the peace agreement Israel is in the process of concluding with its Arab neighbor.
The developments gave Clinton and proponents of reconciliation another display of growing peaceful relations in the region after more than 40 years of discord.
by CNB