Israel, Jordan inaugurate new bridge on Jordan River

Israel and Jordan on Monday morning inaugurated a new bridge on the Jordan River under the name "al-Hussein Bridge."

Israel Radio said the bridge, whose inauguration ceremony was attended by Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy and Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib, will be used to facilitate the passage of tourists and commodities between Israel and Jordan.

The radio report added that the chairman of the foreign relations committee of the Japanese Parliament also took part in the inauguration ceremony, as Japan financed the construction of the said bridge.

A statement published by Japan's embassy in Amman said, "Opening al-Hussien bridge is one of the fruits of the Middle East peace process."

Meanwhile, the Jordanian foreign minister called on the Israelis to continue negotiations with the Palestinians in order to reach a solution for all pending matters.

The radio quoted al-Khatib as saying in a statement to reporters that Israel has to continue negotiations with the Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of reaching a solution to the questions of prisoners and the detainees.