Jordan admitts threat to Hamas leader while calls to sever ties with Israel increase
Jordan, Politics, 9/29/1997

Trade unions and professional syndicates in Jordan called on their government to sever ties and to reconsider the peace treaty with Israel in the aftermath of the attempt on the life of Khaled Mishal, a leading Hamas member who is still reported in serious condition after apparently being poisioned in the attack.

Mishal, head of the political department of Hamas in Jordan, was attacked last week as he was on his way into his office in the Jordanian capital. He was escorted by three of his sons. Hamas said Israeli Mossad agents tried to assassinate him but Jordan denied the Hamas version and said it was a group of "Canadian tourists" who scuffled with Mishal's driver. Yet later in the week, Jordan admitted that Mishal was subject to an attempt on his life. King Hussein of Jordan asked a US specialist to come to Amman and supervise the medical care that is being accorded to Mishal.

A communique issued by the General Union of Professional Syndicates in Jordan said that "in light of the terror attack in Amman, we call on the government to reconsider the treaty it signed with those who usurp our country and our rights." The communique said the incident "could be seen as not only a political assassination attempt, but a move taken against all Arab people in Jordan and aimed at undermining the security of the kingdom and of the people as well."

Eleven Jordinian opposition parties demanded the resignation of State Minister for Information Affairs Dr. Samir Mutawi in the wake of his contradictory statements about the attempts to assassinate Mishal.

Previous Stories:
  Hamas threatens to avenge assassination attempt on its leader   (9/26/1997)
  Two guards wounded in the Israeli embassy in Jordan   (9/23/1997)
  Israeli embassy lodges protest against Jordan newpaper   (9/10/1997)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search