In the question and answer period, Abdullah touched on other several other sensitive issues.

When asked about the status of Jerusalem in possible peace talks, he refused to state a concrete position. "I think it's best for people to shy away from making statements. It just confuses the issue," he said.

Abdullah did comment on the situation in Iraq. Although he said Jordanian-American relations are the "best they've ever been," Abdullah urged the United States government to ease sanctions against Iraq.

"We feel firsthand the effects that they are having on the Iraqi people," he said. "Sanctions are not the answer. Peaceful dialogue is the answer rather than hostility and confrontation."

Abdullah also expressed frustration with shifting international policies.

"In American foreign policy there's not always a focus on the long-term approach," he said. "The problem with politics is that people want to make a slogan that appeals to a certain section of society. We in the third world have gotten used to this, so we just sit back, wait for the dust to settle, and then begin again."

Prior to Abdullah's address, Harvard President Neil L. Rudenstine announced the establishment of a professorship at the Kennedy School of Government in honor of King Hussein.

In response, Abdullah said, "Harvard and the Kennedy School will have a very special place in the heart of all Jordanians."