WASHINGTON (JTA) — President Obama commemorated the 15th anniversary of a peace agreement between Jordan and Israel.
"As we honor this historic event, we remember that peace is always possible despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles," Obama said in a statement released Monday. "The courage of King Hussein and Prime Minister Rabin demonstrated that a commitment to communication, cooperation, and genuine reconciliation can help change the course of history. Today we honor the foresight of these leaders who stared down the past’s doubters and stood together in the interest of common progress."
The U.S. leader noted that "we must remember this spirit of cooperation as the United States works with Arabs and Israelis to help secure peace in the Middle East."
Jordan and Israel signed the pact near the Israeli-Jordanian border on Oct. 26, 1994.
Jordanian protesters on Monday called for the treaty to be annulled, while newspapers across Jordan described the peace as "frigid," according to reports.
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