[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1401-S1402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         KING HUSSEIN OF JORDAN

 Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I rise to honor the memory of a 
great man, King Hussein of Jordan.
  Today the world said goodbye to King Hussein and the great outpouring 
of grief by his people and the presence today in Amman of almost all of 
the world's leaders, is testament to his greatness and to the real 
honor and affection in which he was held; it was a testament to the 
enormous contribution he made to world peace and stability.
  King Hussein was very young when he became king 47 years ago, in a 
tough neighborhood where wits and courage and character are quickly 
tested--and tested often. During his reign, he dodged at least 12 
assassination attempts and 7 plots to overthrow him.
  Though he took over a shaky throne, his perseverance, his vision and 
his great faith carried him through and resulted in a much stronger 
nation of Jordan and a more stable Middle East. He took his country far 
down the path of democratic reforms--reforms which he had hoped to 
continue to improve upon and to broaden.
  His rule saw his country acquire stability and make peace with 
Israel. He modernized Jordan and created a situation in which 
Jordanians enjoy a degree of political freedom not found in most other 
Arab nations.
  He did all this by living his faith and his ideals: he practiced 
political tolerance and even reached a peace and pardoned those who had 
tried to kill him.
  He was a true friend and ally of the United States but his true 
devotion was to his people and to the cause of peace. He took great 
risks to achieve this peace.
  He was a lynchpin in Middle East Peace Process. Only a few months 
ago, he left his sickbed and came to Wye to

[[Page S1402]]

help broker the Wye River accord that revived the failing peace process 
between Israel and the Palestinians. It was his presence and his 
commitment that brought a successful resolution to this agreement.
  He did this at great personal sacrifice when he was near death. He 
fought illness with grace, courage and faith in the same way he had 
lived his life.
  A stronger Kingdom of Jordan and a more stable Middle East, capable 
of eventually sustaining a lasting peace will be one of his great 
legacies.
  Mr. President it is vitally important for the United States and 
Jordan to continue our close ties and to deepen our mutual commitment.
  I join my colleagues in expressing my support and best wishes to King 
Hussein's son and successor, King Abdullah.
  I met with King Abdullah this past November. He is very capable, 
knowledgeable and his is a strong leader. He is now a key to peace in 
the world and he is up to the task. We all wish him God's speed and 
great blessings.

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