Jordanian newspapers are now in circulation in Syria, but will have to be cleared by censors, reported the Jordan Times on Tuesday, citing a local report.
The Arabic daily Ad Dustour said on Monday that the decision was approved by Syrian Information Minister Adnan Imran, and came in response to an official request made by the Jordan Press Association (JPA) last June.
It is the first time in 20 years that Jordanian newspapers are being circulated in Syria.
In a statement to Ad Dustour, Jordanian charge d'affaires in Damascus Ahmad Mufleh described the decision as a pioneering step, saying that it reflected strong Jordanian-Syrian relations.
JPA President Saif Sherif said the move would further bolster bilateral relations and the exchange of news and information.
“Although it may look like a small step, I believe it is great and significant given the fact that Syrian newspapers have always been in circulation in Jordan and have never been denied access,” Sharif said, quoted by the Jordan Times.
The Syrian Information Ministry's decision limited the distribution of Jordanian newspapers in Syria to the Syrian Agency for Distribution of Press and Publications. Approval for the distribution of other Jordanian newspapers in Syria have been obtained, Sharif said – Albawaba.com
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