Working visits to France, UK, Luxembourg & Belgium: November 2004

[micas]

More two................

 

[Humera]

Rania champions women's crafts in Paris

23 NOVEMBER 2004

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2004/11/23/queenrania/#enviarJordan's ever-elegant Queen Rania joined French first lady Bernadette Chirac in Paris for the inauguration of a display of interior design products created by Jordanian women.

Looking Parisian chic in a grey coat and black trousers topped off by a fur foulard, the queen toured the exhibit, which was organised by a women's rights foundation she chairs.

Accompanied by Mme Chirac and the former empress of Iran, Farah Diba, Rania viewed a selection of handicrafts designed for interior decoration and made by Jordanian women in an effort to earn income and improve their families' livelihoods. The pieces are simple yet contemporary and are inspired by traditional Jordanian and Islamic motifs.

Rania is currently accompanying her husband King Abdullah II on a working tour of European countries this week, which will include Britain, Luxembourg and Belgium.

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2004/11/23/queenrania/

 

[Humera]

PARIS, FRANCE: Queen Rania of Jordan (2ndL) talks to France's First Lady Bernadette Chirac, 22 November 2004 in Paris during the inauguration of a corner in a Parisian department store of kraftwork products by her foundation "The Jordan River Foundation". AFP PHOTO JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

 

[Humera]

NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FRANCE: Queen Rania of Jordan arrives for the opening of "Beyond realism", an exhibition dedicated to contemporary Jordanian painters 23 November 2004, during the opening ceremony at Neuilly-Sur-Seine townhall, near Paris. AFP PHOTO/FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

 

[Humera]

LONDON - NOVEMBER 23: King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan attend the Foreign Press Association annual awards November 23, 2004 in central London, England. The annual ceremony rewards excellence in foreign reporting and other areas of serious journalism, both print and broadcast. (Photo by Graeme Robertson/Getty Images)

Looks like Abdullah and Rania have a busy week ahead.
Rania looks beautiful though. It's hard to tell she's even pregnant, especially in the gala dress.

 

[pdas1201]

NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FRANCE: Queen Rania of Jordan arrives for the opening of "Beyond realism", an exhibition dedicated to contemporary Jordanian painters 23 November 2004, during the opening ceremony at Neuilly-Sur-Seine townhall, near Paris. AFP PHOTO/FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

some more pics....

 

[Safaa Batin]

and more..

 

[Guess Who]

Love the gown she wore in london.She looks big but radiant.The dress by elie saab couture.

 

[pdas1201]

more pics from the visit to Printemps store in Paris...
Farah Diba was also present.

 

[ap3]

I like her coats at both the Paris store and at the Beyond Realism art exhibition. But the coats don't really seem to go with what she is wearing underneath. It's like she just slapped the coats over whatever she was wearing that day. And I really don't like the fur collar thing at the Paris store: the coat has plenty of details (lace trim, big collar) without needing a fur collar thrown on top; not to mention I don't think the fur collar thrown over outfits accessory ever looked all that good.

I really like the green ballgown she wore. Though she should have figured out how to cover her shoulders before wearing it in public because the lace shawl slips and she seems to be fussing with it in a few pictures. Maybe fix the lace shawl in place.

I don't remember for sure but didn't she seem to be more elegantly dressed, esp her day outfits, when she was pregnant with Salma?

 

[pdas1201]

November 24, 2004: King Abdullah on a two day official trip to Luxemburg.

 

[Safaa Batin]

in Luxemburg.

 

[Safaa Batin]

king abdullah.

 

[Safaa Batin]

King opens "Break the Barriers" Exhibition in Luxembourg

King opens "Break the Barriers" Exhibition in Luxembourg


Luxembourg/ Nov. 24/ (Petra)-- His Majesty King Abdullah II and Grand Duke Henry of Luxembourg on Wednesday opened "Break the Barriers" Exhibition organized in Luxembourg by Jordan National Museum for Fine Arts and the International Forum for Creative Women in the Mediterranean.
During the opening ceremony, King Abdullah listened to a briefing by Prince Wejdan Ali, the Head of the Royal Society for Fine Arts on items on display which include fantastic paintings designed by 51 woman painters from 21 Islamic countries.
The exhibition, which has been hosted by several European countries, aims to highlight potentials of talented women in the Islamic world and the role of Moslem woman in enhancing bridges of understanding and interaction among diverse cultures within the frame a common vision designed to change the stereotyped image of woman in the Islamic world.
The art work on display is the product of female painters from Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Algeria, Oman, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Kuwait, UAE, Yemen, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.

Injadat/ Petra

 

[Safaa Batin]

KA in Luxembourg

After the welcoming ceremony His Majesty King Abdullahand Duke Henry held a bilateral meeting followed by a round of talks between His Majesty the King and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean Claude Juncker and his Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn. The talks covered bilateral relations, latest development in the Middle East region and the EU role in the region.
The King stressed the necessity to enhance trade ties with Luxembourg, increase Jordanian exports to the EU markets and to benefit from the free trade agreement between Jordan and the EU.
King Abdullah also expressed appreciation to the EU continued support to Jordan that helps implement economic and social development projects in the Kingdom. The King referred in particular to the year's grant by the EU which would contribute to supporting local development projects.
Within this context, an agreement on an EU additional grant to Jordan would be signed during King Abdullah's visit to Brussels on Thursday. The grant will be used to fight poverty in the course of social development programs.
The situation in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine and Iraq figured high in the King's talks, which were attended by the delegation accompanying King Abdullah on the visit. The two sides affirmed that there is a big opportunity at present for the new Palestinian leadership to rearrange its priorities with regard to the peace process in the region.
The King called upon the Palestinian and Israeli sides to commit themselves to an honest and accurate implementation of the Road Map, which would eventually lead to establishing an independent, sovereign and democratic Palestinian state living in peace alongside the Israeli state.

 

[pdas1201]

more photos from the "Break the Barriers" exhibition

I particularly like Maria Teresa top very much but how does it go with her pants

 

[pdas1201]

King Abdullah ended his day with a Dinner Banquet thrown in his honor by Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg..

Prince Ali was also present.

 

[Safaa Batin]

King Meets Fontelles, Heads and Secretaries of the 16 EU Parliament Parties

http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2004/Nov/25/MainA3085I.htm
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2004/Nov/25/3087I.htm
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2004/Nov/25/3088I.htm
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2004/Nov/25/3089I.htm
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2004/Nov/25/3090I.htm


King Meets Fontelles, Heads and Secretaries of the 16 EU Parliament Parties

Brussels, Nov. 25 (Petra) -- His Majesty King Abdullah II discussed Thursday afternoon with the President of the European Union Parliament Josep Borrell Fontelles the peace process in the Middle East and the necessity for all parties to go back to the negotiation table with a view to achieve just and comprehensive peace.

The two sides discussed, in the meeting which was attended by Minister of the Royal Court Sameer Rifai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hani Mulqi and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awad Allah, the international efforts to rebuild Iraq and hold elections in addition to the reform and development efforts in the region.

During an exceptional meeting with heads and secretaries of the 16 parties in the EU parliament, King Abdullah affirmed the importance of the EU Parliament role in the regional security and stability through activating the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis with a view to implement the roadmap. King also stressed on the necessity of the EU contribution in building the
institutions of the Palestinian National Authority.

His Majesty the King expressed, during the two meetings, his appreciation for the role of Europe in supporting the peace process, its efforts in rebuilding Iraq and holding the over Iraq elections.

King Abdullah called on the international community to work in the team spirit with a view to give life to the peace process and implement the roadmap in cooperation with the Quartet Committee to establish the Palestinian viable state.

The King reiterated that the region, including Israel, will not live in peace and stability until the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is solved and as soon as possible.

The King affirmed the necessity of supporting the Palestinian leadership in this stage to hold the elections with a view to be an active partner in the peace process.

 

[Lyonnaise]

Polfoto 25-11-2004 European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, right, talks to the media during a joint press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah, left, at the end of their meeting at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Thursday Nov. 25, 2004.

 

[Lyonnaise]

GettyImages- BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 25: King Abdullah of Jordan (L) is welcomed by King Albert at the Laeken Palace on November 25, 2004 in Brussels, Belgium.

 

[Lyonnaise]

from colourpress: King Abdullah and Queen Rania at the Foreign Press Association Media Awards, Sheraton Park Lane Hotel

 

[Guess Who]

Why didnt QR go to Luxunburg with KA?or did she prefer to stay in paris for a shopping trip.

 

[ap3]

I think QR looks much better now that she's pregnant and put on a little weight. Her face was gaunt she was so thin before.

Not loving all her outfits, but her face looks beautiful.

 

[pdas1201]

Thought I'd post full body shots of Queen Rania from the Foreign Press Association Annual Awards. You all can look at it better...

I must say I liked the dress, it hid QR's pregnancy very well, its hard to guess that she's is even pregnant in that dress. The fur also hid her tummy well...

 

[micas]

I belive this pics are new, i hope you like............ .

 

[Balqis]

A sage king...

From The Sunday Times:

Comment: Michael Portillo: A sage king teaches us how to be Middle
East wise men

At the risk of making racist generalisations, why is it that
Europeans and Americans are so clumsy and unsubtle and appear to be
such galumphing oafs in diplomacy? Last week the European Union
looked foolish with its over-hasty claim to have a deal with Iran
over uranium enrichment; Javier Solana, Europe's foreign affairs
representative, seemed shifty because he could not decide whether he
had or had not met Hamas, the anti-Israeli terror group; Jack Straw,
our foreign secretary, and Colin Powell, the US secretary of state,
appeared naive as they rushed to Ramallah to back Mahmoud Abbas, also
known as Abu Mazen, the West's preferred candidate in the Palestinian
election. That has probably ruined his chances.

As I watched King Abdullah of Jordan deliver a speech in London last
Monday, I tried to imagine how that highly intelligent man keeps his
patience as his country reaps the baleful consequences of the West's
ill-informed meddling in his region.

In public the king says many things that Tony Blair and George W Bush
would love to hear. He talks of the "true Islam" characterised
by "peace, moderation and progress". But cloaked in nuances that
would go over western leaders' heads, he pleads for no interference
in Jordan as it moves in its own way towards democracy.

Any attempt to impose a process from the outside would put in
jeopardy "the sense of engagement" needed to produce success. He
mentions that there is a crisis of faith in international justice and
he might add that this stretches well beyond the Middle East.

The king defies our stereotype of Arab leaders. He speaks perfect
English, eschews pomp and formality and uses the Autocue to deliver
his speech with a professionalism that should make Bush envious. But
beneath the silky exterior I sensed that the king must be in despair
with America, which has shown little regard for Jordan's delicate
position.

The kingdom has made peace with its neighbour Israel, but Jordanians
identify strongly with Palestinians and their cause. Saudi Arabia,
another neighbour, is involved in a struggle to the death with Al-
Qaeda. Across a third border, Iraq has been invaded by the United
States and Britain. Nonetheless, Jordan has close relations with the
coalition powers while still trying to co-exist with next-door Syria,
which Bush believes is part of the axis of evil. No wonder the
Hashemite royal family has developed subtlety, not to say cunning.

Blair must often reflect on the troubles that have come his way for
supporting Bush. His poll ratings have nose-dived. Perhaps he should
spare a thought for the Jordanian ruler who has also shown loyalty to
the White House but whose country is now surrounded by terror and
war, its population driven from its pro-western outlook to an
unprecedented level of anti-American fury.

While Blair faces metaphorical flak from his party and the media,
Jordan is subjected to all the detritus of conflict: the flow of
terrorists, gangsters, refugees and weapons across its territory. It
is now concerned about the import of scrap metal from the Iraq war,
some of it containing depleted uranium from coalition shells.

Shortly after arriving at the Pentagon as defence secretary, Donald
Rumsfeld abolished the US armed forces' peacekeeping school,
miscalculating that Americans would not be called upon for such
duties. The need to save face makes it impossible for his error to be
reversed, but some American units have been sent to a peacekeeping
school in Jordan.

The instructors there were shocked at the attitudes of the trainees.
They were aggressive towards foreigners and inclined to humiliate
citizens who they stopped to question on the street. Many soldiers
could not understand that across the world human beings hold dignity
dear; and they did not understand local taboos against, for example,
touching women.

Americans sometimes ascribe their difficulties in Iraq to a gulf
between cultures. In fact some of their behaviour would be as
offensive in Chicago as in Baghdad. That may derive from military
training or from xenophobia. Perhaps the shock of finding that the
local population did not greet them with roses has devastated morale.

A recent article in Science magazine discussed why US soldiers
tortured victims in Abu Ghraib prison. It said they came to see
Iraqis as "interchangeable members" of a contemptible and alien
group.

Rumsfeld's lack of preparedness for post-war Iraq evidently owed much
to his overreliance on Ahmed Chalabi, who led opposition to Saddam
Hussein while studying mathematics at Chicago and MIT. Accepting a
single view of Iraq from Chalabi was another example of the West's
innocence. The Bush administration now ostracises him.

Maybe influenced by Chalabi, the Americans who sketched Iraq's future
thought they were being sophisticated in planning safeguards for the
Sunni minority against the Shi'ite Muslims. Others in the region
thought that concept misconceived because it underestimated the
feelings that unite Iraqis.

Foreign ignorance has served to exacerbate divisions but fortunately
not yet disastrously. Despite the insurrection, the Shi'ites and
Sunnis have not resorted to civil war, suggesting that the Americans'
emphasis on sectarianism was wrong.

Will the Americans be any more deft in handling Iran? It is doubtful.
Rumsfeld will remain in his post because to sack him would be to
admit America's many mistakes in Iraq. Condoleezza Rice is not a
specialist in the Middle East and has visited there even less than
Powell, who has been only twice as secretary of state.
Admittedly America was right to be sceptical of the Europeans'
alleged breakthrough in winning Tehran's agreement to suspend uranium
enrichment. The EU is pathetically keen for a diplomatic success to
prove that its policy of engagement is better then Washington's
bellicosity. In this instance, Britain is in the European camp. But
for all the Arabists who populate the Foreign Office, there is little
grasp of how Iranians negotiate. Their equivocations seem to have
taken our mandarins by surprise. I recommend a crash course in
bargaining in a Tehran bazaar.

Common sense suggests that Iran is determined to get the bomb. There
is nothing it wants from America enough to give up that ambition. The
West has taught the developing world that countries that acquire
nuclear weapons win respect. We have taken India and Pakistan
seriously only since they joined the nuclear club and we have not
demanded any forfeit for their defiance in testing their devices.

Middle East sophisticates believe that when Iran goes nuclear, Bush
should grin and bear it. Iran educates its men and women to a high
standard. It is Persian as well as Shi'ite — that is, it has a
secular as well as a theocratic tradition. With Iraq in flames, maybe
Iran will offer the best hope for stable democracy — one day, if
America will stay its hand.

Israel has the most cause to feel threatened by an Iranian bomb but
it also has the capability to retaliate in kind. No government in
Tehran is going to sacrifice its cities to Israeli warheads, so the
Iranian threat is largely theoretical. The Israelis look beyond the
superficial: they share the wiliness of their Arab neighbours.

Perhaps that is why conspiracy theorists are having a field day over
the emergence of Marwan Barghouti as a possible candidate for the
Palestinian presidency. If he stands he will campaign from an Israeli
prison where he is serving five life sentences for terrorism. He has
the charisma of Che Guevara and appeals to Palestine's youth.

Abbas looks grey and is a generation older. Barghouti could emerge
from jail as a hero in the Nelson Mandela mould. He has said that
Israel is serious about ending the occupation and that he advocates
peace. Perhaps his captors have had all this planned, having
bargained with him in his cell. If so, they will make Straw and
Powell look very flat-footed.

Or maybe Ariel Sharon would prefer a Palestinian leader like Yasser
Arafat who could be dismissed as a terrorist, providing Israel with
an excuse to pull the plug on negotiations whenever it chooses.

The Middle East is so complex, the balancing acts so delicate and the
players so devious that I almost fear for Rice. The girl from Alabama
risks being an innocent abroad.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2088-1378213,00.html

 

[abir]

It sounds not only Hola' opinion
Piont de Vue, french magazine says: Rania ... Queen of the elegance.

 

[Balqis]

Queen Rania in France, November 2004

From Contrast photo agency: