Jordan exposed an Iranian plan to commit attacks against Israel from Jordanian territory, according to the London-based Arabic daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad members, who had been trained in Iran and Hizbullah camps throughout Lebanon were involved in seven different attempts to fire missiles and mortar shells at Israeli targets from Jordan, the newspaper reported.
Jordan's King Abdullah II said he discussed the issue with Iranian President Muhammad Khatami, who, in return, said extremist factions were responsible.
Jordan's Monarch apparently did not accept the explanations and raised the issue during his recent visit to Washington.
King Abdullah on Monday concluded his five-day visit to the United States. He first held talks with US President George W. Bush in the US capital, and later flew to New York to address the World Economic Forum (WEF).
In one of the King’s last meetings in New York, he discussed with Chairman of the Palestine Legislative Council Ahmad Qurei efforts to end 16 months of violence within the Palestinian territories.
Qurei, on his part, briefed King Abdullah on the recent developments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and expressed deep appreciation for the King's efforts to ensure a more active US role in the region and end the Palestinians' suffering, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The King, who was accompanied by his wife, Queen Rania, also met before concluding his New York visit with political and business leaders participating in the Economic Forum.
Amongst the prominent figures he met with was the head of Saudi Arabia's Military Intelligence Department Prince Nawaf Ben Abdul Aziz, with whom the King reviewed ways to benefit Amman and Riyadh from the forum's outcomes.
The King addressed the forum on Sunday urging understanding of the peaceful message of Islam.
Forum Chairman Klaus Schwab, termed the King's speech as a “message of moderation, peace and wisdom.”
In addition to refuting any connection between Islam and terrorism, the King also called upon the international community to “address itself to solve, without delay, the Arab-Israeli conflict.”
He also warned leaders in the audience against any renewed attacks on Iraq, saying the Middle East has witnessed enough crises and violence. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
