| While negotiations between Israel and the PA faltered, Israel and Jordan were making progress in talks on joint usage of water. From the Israeli side, Minister of National Infrastructures Sharon conducted the talks, which were successfully concluded in a ceremony held in Amman in the presence of King Hussein. Text of the ministrys communiquE follows: In a ceremony held on May 27, King Hussein of Jordan marked the beginning of the second stage of the Israel-Jordan water agreement, in accordance with which Israel has begun to supply Jordan with 3000 cubic meters of water per hour. The ceremony was also attended by Jordans Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and high-ranking officials, as well as by the American, Russian and Japanese ambassadors to Jordan. Israel was represented by its Charge DAffaires to Jordan, Yaacov Rosen. During the ceremony, King Hussein praised Israels Prime Minister, Minister of National Infrastructures and Water Commissioner for their actions and their understanding of Jordans water problems. The timing of the agreements implementation the beginning of summer and of the particularly harsh Jordanian dry season also contributed to the sense of satisfaction. Israels Charge DAffaires, Yaacov Rosen, emphasized in his interviews to the Jordanian media and Dubai television that this event is only one aspect of the two countries ongoing relationship, also mentioning the talks being conducted with regard to the Aqaba-Eilat airport. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Water Agreement with Jordan
(May 27, 1997)