JORDAN

SEPTEMBER 2005

Muasher: Pullout from Gaza should be part of the roadmap

AMMAN, Jordan. (Petra-Jordan News Agency)-- Jordan Monday welcomes Israel's pullout from Gaza and considered it an introduction to establishing a viable Palestinian state. Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher expressed Jordan's support for the withdrawal saying ". Jordan welcomes the pullout from Gaza and considers it as a first step towards the comprehensive withdrawal from all the parts of the West Bank." The pullout from Gaza " should be an introduction to a viable Palestinian state which enjoys a complete freedom of movement," Muasher told reporters during his weekly press briefing on Monday. He warned that Gaza Strip could turn into a prison if Israel's pullout does not include the full opening of all crossing points and freedom of movement. " We can not speak about a comprehensive pullout without including the freedom of movement, the full opening of all crossing points," Muasher said. " If this doesn't happen, Gaza will be transformed into a big prison," he added. "The Gaza withdrawal must be an introduction to implementing all the requirements of the roadmap," Muasher said. The roadmap peace plan was drafted and sponsored by the U.S., the UN, the European Union and Russia and envisages an end to Palestinian-Israeli violence and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Muasher went on to say Jordan " is working with all parties to guarantee these steps." Asked about Gaza refugees living in Jordan after the withdrawal he said "their issue will be discussed in the future." The Jordanian government has already said it is too early to talk about the situation of Gaza citizens residing in Jordan. On the reported absence of a Jordanian role in Gaza, Muasher emphasized " there is no role for Jordan in Gaza". As for the Palestinian-Egyptian-Israeli coordination in Gaza it is because Egypt has a shared borders with Gaza Strip, he noted...Muasher denied any reasons related to Israeli behind recalling Jordan's ambassador to Tel Aviv Maaruf al-Bakheet. Bakheet was recalled to be appointed to new post at the Royal Court, he added noting a new ambassador to Tel Aviv will be named soon. He also brushed aside any Jordanian-Palestinian-Israeli negotiations on Israel's withdrawal from the West Bank. "Negotiations on the West Bank are Palestinian Israeli ones and what directly concerns Jordan in such negotiation is the refugee issue," he said.

 

AUGUST 2005

Jordanian PM: Plans for joint zone with PA on border, ready to arm PA forces.

AMMAN, Jordan. (Petra-Jordan News Agency)-- Premier Adnan Badran expressed Jordan's welcome over Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, affirming the Israeli withdrawal should be part of the road map and should be followed by other Israeli pullouts from other Palestinian territories. Badran's remarks were made during his meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Quraya on Saturday. Ahmad Quraya briefed Badran on the field and political situation in Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza after the Israeli pullout, expressing the Palestinian interests demands the pullout should be done in smooth. Ahmad Quraya condemned in his name and behalf of Palestinian people and government the terror act that targeted Aqaba yesterday. The two premiers reviewed the bilateral relations, particularly the trade and economic ties. Badran expressed thanks and appreciations to Palestinian Premier for his visit to participate the Jordanian government and people the condemnation of the terror act in Aqaba, Badran told Petra. "We congratulated the Palestinian people over the Israeli withdrawal from  Gaza, which is deemed to be first step of road map", Premier Badran said, adding we discussed the trade and economic issues, and there are Royal directives from His Majesty King Abdullah to prepare the circumstances to establish free trade, so we dispatched today Minister of Trade and Industry to Gaza to sign a free trade agreement with his Palestinian counterpart. Badran added there are instructions to establish industrial free zone between Jordan and Palestinian National Authority in Jordan River, expressing hope an agreement to be signed very soon. "The government, in a response to His Majesty the King's call for supporting the Palestinian brothers to enhance their security and peace, is ready for any future train for their security forces, which is going to be deployed in the West Bank". Badran noted, adding that Bader Forces are prepared and ready and they will be an effective factor to maintain peace and security in the West Bank and help establish the Palestinian state. Badran affirmed that there was a complete readiness by Jordan to prepare and equip these forces, which will contribute in the second phase of the withdrawal by giving a security power to Palestinian Authority.

 

JORDAN: IRAQ DONORS GATHER FOR CONFERENCE.

Amman, Jordan- Iraqi donor countries began a two-day meeting in the Jordanian capital on Monday, aimed at injecting new momentum into reconstruction of the war-torn country, enhancing Iraqi 'ownership' of this process, getting countries to deliver the aid pledged so far, and enhancing cooperation between donors and the Iraqi transitional government.  The meetings come in the wake of some of the worst violence in Iraq in months. On Monday, a devastating suicide attack in Musayyib, south of Baghdad, killed 98 and injured 156. It was the worst attack since a massive car bomb killed at least 114 people in the nearby town of Hilla in February. Car bomb attacks in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq over the weekend killed three police commandos and one civilian, and injured 16 civilians.  Iraqi prime minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, and planning minister, Barham Saleh, are among those attending the meeting on the shores of the Dead Sea. Delegates from some 60 countries and organisations, including the UN and the World Bank, are also taking part. The meeting follows an international conference on Iraq last month. Some observers say Iraq is at a critical juncture, with the escalating violence and lack of security raising questions over whether donors will want to take the risk of investing in Iraq. Opening the conference, Jordan's prime minister Adnan Badran said that terrorism, extremism and violence are obstacles to the reconstruction process and to building a unified and democratic Iraq that has a place on the international scene and is able to achieve prosperity for its people.  "Contributing to the reconstruction process in Iraq ... and to achieving security and stability in Iraq, for its people, the region and the world, is a priority for Jordan," Badran emphasised. The special adviser to Iraq's minister for industry and minerals, Munkuth Jassim, urged donors ahead of the gathering to follow the example of Japan, which has already invested 260 million dollars in the country. Creating jobs for the Iraqi people was essential to avert "catastrophe" Jassim said. The conference organisers - Canada, the UN and the World Bank - hope Iraq will submit a few short-term projects to help meet Iraq's immediate needs (such as security, employment, electricity, shelter and other basic requirements). Some two years ago, donor countries pledged 33 billion dollars in aid to Iraq. Of this amount, just 1 billion has been handed over so far.

Parliament Refuses Draft Law

Amman, July 14(Petra-Jordan News Agency)-- The Jordanian parliament refused on Thursday the draft law to ratify the agreement between Jordan and the United States regarding handing over of persons to the International Criminal Court for the year 2005. In the first round of the extraordinary session of the parliament, Parliamentarians considered the agreement as undermining of Jordan's sovereignty on its land since the US refused to subject its citizens to this agreement in case of committing crimes against humanity. The parliamentarians pointed that the draft law contradicts with the International Criminal Court law which was ratified by Jordan.

Muasher: national interest , not armed groups that determine Jordan's policy

AMMAN, Jordan, (Petra-Jordan News Agency)-- The Jordanian government policy is not determined by the armed groups but rather by dictates of the Jordanian interest, Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher said Wednesday. The Jordanian interest requires an effective presence of the Jordanian embassy in Baghdad because this is in the interest of the Jordanian and Iraqi peoples, Muasher told reporters during his weekly press briefing at the Royal Cultural Center on Wednesday. Jordan will be ready to offer any information related to investigation on the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister RafiqHariri. Jordan has been in the forefront of countries that believe in the necessity for cooperation to fight terrorism, Muasher said in reply to a question. On Palestinian President's remarks that he doesn't mind granting Palestinian refugees the nationality of the Arab country they are residing in, Muasher said giving nationality to Palestinian refugees in Jordan is not a topic in question. " There is no change in the (Jordanian) government policy regarding this issue," he said. Muasher denied that re-arresting Abu Mohammad al-Maqdisi was made upon request from an Arab country. Maqdisi was rearrested because he has contacted a terrorist group and investigation on his case has not been completed yet, Muasher said. Maqdisi is considered mentor of terror mastermind and Al Qaeda leader in Baghdad Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. In reply to a question, Muasher said Jordan will be ready to send Palestinian Bader forces from Jordan to the Palestinian areas to help promote security and stability there and the Palestinian Authority has welcomed the idea but the Israeli government is still opposing it. Bader forces belong to the Palestinian Liberation Army stationed in Jordan.

JORDANIAN MEDIA, by Dr. Joseph Lerner
Excerpts: Jordan opposes grant to Israel. Egypt waffles on recognition of Iraq. Claim Israel poisoned Arafat. Terror bomber targeted women.
JORDAN TIMES 13 July '05:Editorial: "Not right" QUOTES FROM TEXT: "Israel 's seeking $2,2 billion from the US in return for the promised  withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is illegal and audacious." "if there is a party that deserves compensation ... it is the Palestinians alone"..."The US' and international community's economic and financial support should take the form of a Marshall plan for the entire region."..."People need hope for a better future before accepting to forsake violence and live in peace next to their neighbor."

EXCERPTS: Israel's seeking $2.2 billion from the US in return for the promised withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is illegal and audacious. In international relations, countries can seek compensation for wrong done to them by other states, provided the damage can be measured in monetary terms. ... , the Jewish state is the party that did the wrong, by occupying the Gaza Strip for decades and refusing to give it up as called for by several UN resolutions, and now it wants compensation for ending its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory. This is not a situation that calls for a quid pro quo. That much should be clear to all....Washington has established repeated precedents by "compensating" Israelfor complying in part with international legitimacy, when Israel should have conformed anyway....if there is a party that deserves compensation ... , it is the Palestinians alone. They should be compensated by Israel ... .Granted, the US may want to expedite the Israeli withdrawal from any part of the Palestinian land. But Israel seems to want to withdraw from Gaza and four West Bank settlements only. Even worse, the intended withdrawal will not be complete, as Israel wants to retain control over Gaza's territorial waters and sky. This is a limited withdrawal at best and the move should not be compensated in any way. A more appropriate time to consider extending aid and support to Israel is when a final settlement with the Palestinians is achieved. ... . The US' and international community's economic and financial support should take the form of a Marshall plan for the entire region.  ... Palestinians deserve direct financial support for obvious reasons: They have been living under occupation for decades and suffered untold losses. Their economy is in shambles and their living standards deplorable.  [IMRA: Because they insisted on intifadas which the Arab world supports.] People need hope for a better future before accepting to forsake violence and live in peace next to their neighbour.  ... .  [IMRA:So violence is endorsed.]


JORDAN TIMES 13 July: "  (Egypt's) Gov't says it will avenge murder of its envoy". QUOTES FROM TEXT: "Al Qada in Iraq said it abducted the envoy and  condemned him to death as an 'apostate'."... " took pains to point out that Sherif  had not been appointed ambassador in Iraq and that Egypt does not have a full embassy there"..." 'the killers gave no chance for Egypt to negotiate' "

EXCERPTS: CAIRO - The Egyptian government vowed to avenge the slaying of its top envoy in Iraq as it tried to fend off sharp criticism at home Tuesday, including accusations it didn't do enough to save the diplomat killed by Al Qaeda-linked militants. Egypt's top pro-government newspapers carried banner headlines quoting ... Mubarak saying, "Egypt does not forget its sons," and promising to take care of the family of Ihab Sherif. ... On Egyptian television on Monday, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit vowed to "take vengeance on the killers ...."  ... it was an unusually aggressive statement for a government that has refrained from vocal criticism of the insurgency in Iraq. Sherif's slaying, announced by a statement last week by Al Qaeda in Iraq, stunned many in Egypt, where opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq is high. Al Qaeda in Iraq said it abducted the envoy and condemned him to death as an "apostate" because his government intended to install a full ambassador in Baghdad as a sign of support for Iraq's new government. Mubarak's government has faced ...criticism in the opposition press, denouncing it for knuckling under US pressure to send an ambassador despite the continuing violence in Iraq and accusing it of not doing enough to save Sherif's life. The Araby and Osboa weekly newspapers proclaimed in red-letter headlines that "the government bears sole responsibility for the spilling of Sherif's blood." "The Egyptian foreign minister refused to cut his visit to Libya, he dealt with the issue in an irresponsible way, the Egyptian government refused to declare a state of mourning or even half-mast the flags and all what it did was four lines lamenting the martyr,"  ... .It proclaimed Sherif a "martyr" - even though Al Qaeda in Iraq did not release a video showing the diplomat's killing and his body has yet to be found...Aboul Gheit also took pains to point out that Sherif had not been appointed ambassador in Iraq and that Egypt does not have a full embassy there. Sherif's credentials, with the title of chief of mission, "prove the falsity of what has been said by some concerning an upgrade in the level of representation and the establishment of an Egyptian embassy in Iraq and the conduct of full diplomatic relations," ... ."These are nothing more than inflammatory and can't be characterised as truthful or ethical," he added. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari announced during an international conference in Brussels last month that Egypt had decided to become the first Arab country to send a full ambassador to Iraq under the new government elected in January. Aboul Gheit also insisted there had been no way to win Sherif's release through mediation. "The killers gave no chance for Egypt to negotiate, they didn't have demands on which we can negotiate,"

JORDAN TIMES 13 July :"Qaddoumi claim fuels Arafat poison theory ". QUOTES FROM TEXT:  "A poisoning claim by the head of the ruling Fateh faction has strengthened a widely held belief among Palestinians that Yasser Arafat's death eight months ago was due to foul play."..."the Palestinian leader was poisoned more than a year before his death"..."the French doctors who carried out tests ... discovered no  trace of any known poison"..."was killed by Israeli agents"

POISONING ARAFAT

EXCERPTS: RAMALLAH (AFP Agence France Presse) - A poisoning claim by the head of the ruling Fateh faction has strengthened a widely held belief among Palestinians that Yasser Arafat's death eight months ago was due to foul play. Farouq Qaddoumi became the most senior Palestinian figure to endorse the poisoning theory when he told reporters in Tunis on Monday: "I can categorically confirm that Abu Ammar [Arafat] was poisoned. "The poison was administered in the food and in the medication he swallowed," said the Tunis-based Qaddoumi, who was appointed Fateh chief after Arafat died but refuses to visit the occupied Palestinian territories. His comments are a variation of a theory put forward by Arafat's former Cabinet secretary, Ahmed Abdelrahman, who has said the Palestinian leader was poisoned more than a year before his death on November 11 at the Percy military hospital on the outskirts of Paris. "The president was exposed to something (on September 25, 2003), and I'm inclined to believe it was maybe gas or something else," Abdelrahman told a newspaper interviewer in December. Neither man has produced any medical evidence to back up their claim. One doctor who treated Arafat for many years simply laughed at Qaddoumi's comments when contacted by AFP.

Arafat's nephew, Nasser Qidwa, who has been handed a medical report into the death, has acknowledged that French doctors who carried out tests...discovered no trace of any known poison. France's ... laws mean the exact cause of death has never been made public, but Qidwa, who is Palestinian foreign minister, was entitled to receive a copy of his medical file as a close relative. The lack of evidence has not prevented many Palestinians from forming the view that the man  ...was killed by Israeli agents, having long been branded by his arch enemy Ariel Sharon as "an absolute obstacle" to peace. .  .  .