Jordanian FM: Our doors are open to discuss with Syria relations with Turkey

Commenting on Syrian criticism over Jordan's relations with Turkey, Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Elah al-Khatib said such criticism is due to the lack of information or to misinformation.

"We are careful to maintain Syria's care. Our doors are open for any discussions in this respect," he said.

In a statement to the London-based al-Hayat daily published on Saturday, the Jordanian minister replied to a question on whether there are Syrian "reservations" on building al-Yarmouk dam by saying a minutes of meeting was signed in Syria during a visit of a Jordanian official delegation representing the "water authority."

He proceeded: "I was acquainted with the content of the minutes which reveal an understanding on the need to set up this dam despite the fact that there are disputes concerning other items." He added that the question of water in the region requires continued dialogue and a comprehensive revision because this issue relates to the region's countries rather than two states.

On the meeting between the head of the Jordanian delegation to the Non-Aligned Movement summit recently held in South Africa with Syria's Vice-President Abdul Halim Khaddam, the Jordanian minister said no talks were held on disputes. The meeting was just a debate of viewpoints toward issues of concern to the region, mainly the Middle East peace process and inter-Arab relations.

Al-Khatib added, "Relations between the two countries will be recovered through dialogue and mutual respect. I do not think there is a substantial dispute between us and Syria."