His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said that the Middle East is passing through the most difficult conditions, saying the deteriorating state of affairs in the West Bank and in Iraq, and the dispute between Iran and the United States, all threaten security and stability.

"All of us, the one Jordanian family, from all origins and affiliations, notwithstanding our political or intellectual differences, or particular interests, should be as one hand, one heart and one line of defense in facing the challenges and risks that today surround this homeland from almost every side," the King told graduating army and police cadets from Mu'ta University in Karak governorate.

His Majesty stressed: "If there is anyone who believes that it is possible to settle the Palestinian issue at the expense of Jordan, he should know that Jordan will never be a substitute homeland for anybody, and that the Palestinians' homeland and their state should be on Palestinian soil, and nowhere else.

If Jordan opens its doors and arms to all the Arab brethren, and if it is keen to be a sanctuary for every Arab who is subjected to injustice, this does not mean that we should be lenient towards or tolerant of any party that tries to disrupt this country's security and stability. Jordan is first, and Jordan's interests supersede all other interests and considerations."

Full text of His Majesty's remarks