Netanyahu fears Jordanian - Iraqi alliance

Jordan described yesterday the declarations made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he referred to the possible establishment of a Jordanian - Iraqi alliance against Israel, as surprising and asked for clarifications and the complete official text of Netanyahu's statement to determine Jordanian position regarding the remarks.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah Khatib said the Foreign Ministry made official communications asking for clarification of these statements, which were carried in news reports.

Official sources refused the content of Netanyahu's reported statements, especially because they came on the eve of the official visit to be paid by the Israeli prime minister to Jordan tomorrow.

Netanyahu withdrew his declarations. Aniv Bushinski, Netanyahu's spokesman, said, "Jordan will not join Iraq in an alliance against Israel."

He added that circumstances have changed since 1991 and that Jordan is strong and does not need an alliance with Iraq, adding that King Abdullah assured this to the Israeli prime minister during their last meeting at the king's father's funeral.