Jordan for better relations with Syria

Jordanian Information Minister Nasser Joudeh said that Jordan has "all respect and appreciation for Syria. Our hearts and hands are open to any dialogue," noting the existence of contacts between the two countries on all levels.

In statements to the press the Jordanian minister remarked on statements made by President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt following President al-Assad to Sharm El- Sheikh on Sunday in which President Mubarak described the disputes between Damascus and Amman as "minor issues." Joudeh added " there is a sort of coolness and difference in assessment that should not undermine relations between brothers, especially those between neighborly brothers."

The Jordanian minister added that Jordan did not escalate the situation in the media or in any other area. "Jordan had rather reacted to statements made by certain "Syrian" officials, and we have to respond rightly." The Jordanian minister stressed the need that channel should be open and relations between brothers to return back to normalcy. He continued "the question of disputes between Syria and Jordan was debated during the visit made by the Egyptian foreign minister to Amman. There is no official Egyptian mediation because matters are not intensified between the two countries. And we do appreciate the Egyptian care to improve relations with Damascus."

Replying to a question Joudeh denied news that the Syrian embassy in Amman has informed the Jordanian side of canceling the meeting of the Syrian-Jordanian joint water committee in objection of Sharon's visit to Jordan and his participation in inaugurating a dam on al-Yarmouk river.