Israel has agreed to ease restrictions on the method of transporting goods between Jordan and the Palestinian territories, setting the ground for increased trade between the two sides.
Transport Minister Mohammad Kalaldeh said Tuesday that starting Oct. 1 Jordanian trucks laden with goods will start crossing the Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge across the Jordan River into the West Bank. Citing security concerns, Israel had previously insisted that Jordanian trucks unload at Allenby, where Palestinian trucks take over the task.
Israeli embassy officials in Amman were not immediately available to explain how Israel's security concerns will be addressed under the new method, which was agreed upon in a meeting of top officials from the two sides in Amman on Aug. 30.
A Jordanian government statement, however, said the trucks will be searched in the Kingdom. The truck driver and the exporter must also present affidavits to Jordanian authorities which “certify that the goods and the vehicle are free of unlawful material,” according to the statement, carried on the official Jordan News Agency, Petra. — ( Jordan Times )
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
