Jordanian Ambassador Reacts to Amman Bombings

This is a partial transcript of "The Big Story With John Gibson," November 9, 2005, that has been edited for clarity.

JOHN GIBSON, HOST: For more on the terror in Amman Wednesday, we're joined by "Big Story" correspondent Douglas Kennedy. Douglas, what do you got?

DOUGLAS KENNEDY, FOX NEWS CORRESPONDENT: John, I'm on the phone right now with the Amman, Jordan, ambassador to the United States, Karim Kawar. Mr. Kawar, are you on the phone?

KARIM KAWAR, JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: Yes, sir.

KENNEDY: Thank you very much for joining us today. I know it's a very difficult day for you. Tell me the reaction there at the embassy in Washington.

KAWAR: Well, of course, we're trying to deal with the situation that has come to us as major shock. Jordan has been one of the most secure countries in that region. Our security forces have been vigilant in trying to avert such attacks. And we have been quite important in the past. Unfortunately today we haven't been as fortunate.

KENNEDY: I know you've been on the phone with officials in Amman. What are they telling you?

KAWAR: Well, now our cabinet of ministers is in a meeting, an emergency meeting. We are trying to deal with the situation. Of course, our hospitals have many of the victims. The whole country is in shock regarding what happened

KENNEDY: And you're privy to security briefings. Do we know who's responsible for this? Are they telling you in Amman today?

KAWAR: Well, it's early to point fingers at this time. But we hope that our security forces will be able to identify them soon.

KENNEDY: And do you think they'll have to institute any extra security measures in Amman — martial law or anything like that — to find who did this?

KAWAR: No. God forbid we don't need to go to martial law. Our security forces are in every location on the highest. They are on the highest alert. Today, Jordan remains to be secure. And we remain determined to fight this global war on terrorism.

KENNEDY: Amman has been a very secure city. How did this happen there?

KAWAR: Well, as I said, it came as a shock. There was no warning. We are all vulnerable. And as I said, we have been lucky many times before that we have averted similar attacks, some even on a larger scale. This one went through and we have to remain determined and steadfast in fighting terrorism.

KENNEDY: Well, I know this is a difficult day for you and you're very busy. So, thank you so much for joining me today.

KAWAR: Thank you.

KENNEDY: John, back to you.

GIBSON: Douglas Kennedy, thank you very much.

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