Jordan's ambassador highlights strong domestic front

Manama, Feb. 8 -- (BNA): The Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mohammed Ali Siraj, said that Jordan has been at war against terrorism ever since terrorists attacked Amman's hotels in 2005. These attacks claimed the lives of more than 60 people and wounded 150, the ambassador said, stressing that the war against Daesh has been "our war from the very beginning." Ambassador Siraj told Al Ayam newspaper that the execution of convicted terrorist Sajida Al-Reshawi last week was carried out in compliance with Jordanian judiciary verdict and not in retaliation or reaction after the assassination of Captain Muath Safi Al Kassasbeh. He said that terrorist Al-Reshawi received a fair court trial despite her crimes. The ambassador described Jordan's public reaction after the posting of the Al Kassasbeh execution video as an angry street rallying behind its leadership against Daesh's atrocious act which cannot be justified under any circumstances. The ambassador highlighted his country's role in the coalition against Daesh as "essential in fighting terrorism" but declined to comment on details, saying "it is up to the military." He said that the Jordan's street is angry, shocked and united behind its leadership and behind the armed forces, pointing out that if anybody doubts the unity of the Jordanian people against this evil, they should look at the response of Jordan's streets for evidence. Captain Al Kassasbeh does not belong to a specific clan or province but he is the son of all Jordanians, he stressed. The ambassador said that the well-known terrorist attacks that took place in 2005 claimed the lives of Jordanians as well as brethren from other countries, including Bahrain. He added that one of the culprits of this cowardly criminal attack was terrorist Sajida who received a fair court trial. The court found her guilty and the capital punishment has been carried out. The ambassador said that the war now being waged against Daesh is Jordan's war on terror. He stressed that the domestic front stands united and that the security institutions were capable of protecting Jordan's borders and territory.