Israel's Sharon in Amman for talks, Hassan heads to Israel

Israeli Infrastructure Minister Ariel Sharon arrived in Amman on Sunday to hold talks with King Hussein of Jordan and with Crown Prince Hassan. In an arrival statement Sharon said his talks in Amman aim at strengthening relations between the two countries.

Jordanian minister of irrigation and Water Munzir Haddadin said his government continues to encourage cooperation with Israel, Israeli radio reported. The Jordanian minister described Sharon's visit to Amman as strengthening bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan is in Ramallah today in response to an invitation from Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.

On Tuesday, Prince Hassan will be in Tel Aviv for similar talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Jordanian sources said that prince Hassan's scheduled talks tomorrow in Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are an indication that both sides intend to consolidate relations.

Jordan's Parliament Speaker Saad Hayil Surour and a number of ministers and deputies are to accompany the crown prince.