Jordan’s basic principles guide its policy

Jordan’s decision to attend the Manama economic workshop is prudent, balanced and principled, and came after careful reflection and analysis. In announcing the acceptance of the invitation of the US and the government of Bahrain, Jordan weighed, first, all the pros and cons of its reply.

Jordan talks to friends and foes alike because it has basic principles that guide its policy, especially when it comes to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

That said, the government explained its positive response to the invitation to attend the workshop by reiterating that it will take part on the basis of its unwavering stance on the Palestinian crisis, including the continued support for the two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of the projected Palestinian state. Jordan’s insistence on upholding the Hashemite Custodianship over the Islamic and Christian holy places in East Jerusalem is also a guiding principle.

Against this backdrop, there can be no harm in taking part in the workshop at a certain senior level, with view to listening to what the participants have to say or offer and then decide according to its basic tenets and policy guidelines.

Besides, the projected workshop is shrouded by rumours and innuendos. There is no way of deciding on its virtues or dangers until Jordan takes part.

Jordan is not committed to anything that may emerge from the meeting and will no doubt remain faithful at all times to its basic positions on the Palestinian case in all its dimensions. Suffice to say, Jordan is expected to engage the participants at the gathering with maximum transparency, with the people of the country remaining abreast of all the issues that would be discussed every step of the way.

Under these conditions, no one may fear the Jordanian participation in the workshop. On the contrary, the country as a whole may feel comfortable at the decision to take part.

Reportedly, some $50 billion are earmarked for investments in the economic and living conditions in the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt. How and where this money would be spent should be implemented with the consent and cooperation of the four Arab sides.

Not making these investments conditional on certain political arrangements is basic. Delinking the economic dimension from the political one should also remain basic. That said, taking part in an explanatory economic dialogue should be respected.