Jordanian FM, deputies tour northern borders

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, Nasser Judeh, accompanied by members of the Parliament’s Arab and International Affairs Committee, visited the Jordanian-Syrian border on Saturday and had the opportunity to personally observe the continuing flow of Syrian refugees into the Kingdom. The minister and deputies saw the day-to-day difficulties faced by members of the Jordanian Armed Forces in assisting the incoming refugees and providing them with medical care, despite the area’s rugged geography. Syrian refugees who arrived at the border praised the efforts of the armed forces, pointing to the continuous Jordanian support of people in need. The minister and the MPs were also briefed about the duties of the Jordanian troops, mainly border guards, stationed along the 370-kilometre border between Jordan and Syria. Judeh said in a statement that the purpose of the visit was to receive a first-hand-look of the humanitarian impact on Jordan caused by the Syrian crisis, pointing to the economic burdens of hosting more than 485,000 refugees who have arrived since March, 2011. He further said the world is aware of the pressure the refugees place on Jordan and urged the international community to assist the Kingdom in hosting the refugees.