Jordan announces breakthrough in Jordanian-Israeli water problem

A Jordanian official said on Tuesday that there has been a "clear breakthrough" in the water problem between Jordan and Israel, MAP reported.

During a tour of major Jordanian newspapers, minister of water and irrigation, Kamal Mahadeen told "Al-Rai" newspaper that the Israelis re-asserted their commitment to all terms of the peace treaty with Jordan.

According to the 1994 peace treaty, Jordan is to get 50 million cubic meters of water from Tiberias lake annually.

Israel decided last month to reduce Jordan's share from the israeli-controlled lake by almost half, claiming it was forced to take this step due to drought.

Addressing the parliament, Jordan's minister Abdulraouf Rawabdeh said his country insists on getting its full rights of water. "Our right in the waters is clear and we'll obtain it in full."

During their discussion of the Israeli-Jordanian treaty, parliament members proposed the abolishment of the peace treaty, due to Israel's non-compliance with its terms regarding water.