Syria - Jordan tensions flare at Jerusalem committee meetings
Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/31/1998

Tensions prevailed at the Jerusalem Committee's meetings where Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa would have entered into a confrontation with Jordanian Foreign Minister Jawad al-Anani, except for the intervention of Morocco's King Hassan II, the committee's chief, who was able to contain the controversy.

This controversy took place when al-Sharaa hinted at "a hidden conspiracy" by some countries towards the efforts exerted for the meeting to adopt a strong stance against Israel, in reference to the call for a halt to normalization with Israel and to close Israeli communications bureaus in some Arab states.

Al-Sharaa called for a decisive attitude toward the Israeli procedures aimed at Judaizing Jerusalem, criticizing the lack of commitment from the Arab states to their resolutions.

The controversy was aggravated when al-Sharaa said that Syria fully understands the pressure placed on some Arab states not to take an "ascending decision in confronting the Israeli entity."

Al-Anani replied saying: "We do not need slogans but decisions for dedicating peace," adding that there are countries in the region who committed to resolutions that were "tough." Jordan has diplomatic relations with Israel as well as economic cooperation. Friction between the two states was exacerbate recently due to Jordanian opposition to an Arab summit that was sought by some Arab states including Syria, for the purpose of adopting a strong and decisive position against Israel.

Morocco's King Hassan intervened to contain the dispute, calling on the two ministers for self-restraint.

Previous Stories:
  Jordan cancels decision to boycott exports from Syria   (7/20/1998)
  Saudi Arabia, Egypt mediate between Syria and Jordan   (7/6/1998)
  Jordanian deputy complains that Syrian border authorities abused him   (6/25/1998)

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