The world mourned King Hussein yesterday, hailing him as one of the 20th century's great leaders. President Clinton, who on Saturday announced a further $300 million in aid to ensure stability in Jordan, described King Hussein as "a friend and inspiration". He praised the king as a force for peace and recalled last year's meeting in the US between Israel and the Palestinians when the king put aside his health problems to help broker an accord.
The UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, said: "Overcoming his own pain at Wye Plantation last October, he showed again his courage that is an essential ingredient in any peace process. His death challenges us to finish the job."
The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, described the king as a man of vision and said he was confident King Abdullah would be "a good friend to peace in the Middle East".
The German Chancellor, Mr Gerhard Schroder, sent a telegram of condolences to King Abdullah, while President Roman Herzog described King Hussein as a great statesman and champion of peace.
Mark Brennock adds: The President, Mrs McAleese, will represent Ireland at today's funeral in Amman, while the Minister for the Marine, Mr Woods, will represent the Government.
Paying tribute to King Hussein, Mrs McAleese said that his name would always be synonymous with the search for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. She said the people of Ireland "recall with particular fondness the state visit here in February 1997 of His Majesty and Queen Noor".
A Government statement called on all parties in the Middle East to follow the example set by King Hussein.