Cultural openness in Jordan

The printing and publications department in Jordan has lifted the embargo on books "Secret Negotiations Between the Arabs and Israel" by Egyptian writer Muhammad Hasanin Haikal and "Criticism for the Political Address," by Nasser Hamid Abu Zeid as well as on another 500 titles in the framework of the new policy pursued by Jordan.

The director of the Jordanian printing and publication department, Abdullah al-Athoum, said his department started two weeks ago to reconsider more than 2,500 foreign titles that were banned from distribution in Jordan throughout the history of the department, which was established in 1927.

Al-Athoum added that in the same framework auditions and fees imposed on imported programs were canceled and that it is permitted to bring personal video cassettes which are brought by arrivees to Jordan, which are no longer submitted for audition and control.

Meanwhile, a member of the committee formed to reconsider the confiscated books, Rasmi Mahasenah, said the department permits some 50 titles every day after full study. But he added that there are three prohibited areas which are not to be touched upon: religious doctrine, and political publications which violate the public opinion and the morals.