Jordanian Parliamentarian happy to visit Israel
Jordan, Politics, 12/26/1997

Member of the Jordanian parliament Muhammad Raafat has said that he is not repentant for his visit last week together with his colleague, Hamadeh Fra'neh, to Israel, despite denunciation of the visit by Palestinians and Jordanians.

The Jordanian daily al-Rai' quoted Raafat statement as saying "I'll repeat the visit once, twice." The visit, however, was the first contact between Jordanian parliamentarians and their Israeli counterparts since signing the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel in October 1994.

Raafat added to the newspaper that his visit to Israel is not a sin, rather, "It was for the sake of the God," adding in his next visit to Israel he will call on the Israelis to convert to Islam.

Raafat, who represents the Palestinians of al-Baqaa camp (16 Km to the West of Amman), was strongly criticized by his clan who demanded that he resign his post. The Palestinians of Baqaa camp are collecting signatures to demand that the Parliament expel him.

Because of the tension surrounding Raafat, bodyguards were seen surrounding his house, AP reported.

Previous Stories:
  King Hussein seeks Saudi oil   (12/26/1997)
  Jordan parliament urges Israel to abide by peace   (12/16/1997)
  Israel informs Jordan of ideas to reach final settlement with Palestinians   (11/14/1997)

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