Statement by Government Spokesman
www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Apr/18/99.htm

Amman, April 18 (Petra-Jordan news agency) -- Government Spokesman stated
the following;

The Jordanian government remains determined to establish good relations with
new Palestinian government. Jordanian government declared from the beginning
of the Palestinian legislative election and the winning of Hamas with
majority of Palestinian Legislative council, is waiting for the formation of
the Palestinian government and looking into its programs. The Jordanian
government stand expresses clearly Jordan's respect to Palestinian people's
choice.

The Jordanian government congratulated Hamas for its victory in the
legislative election and sent a congratulation letter to the Palestinian
leader Mahmoud Abbas at the time of formation of Palestinian government.

The Jordanian security apparatus observed some members from Hamas movement
sneaked contraband weapons and explosives and store them in Jordan, the
government regrets to such behavior that coincided with positive directives.

The seized contraband weapons that included rockets, explosives, and
automatic rifles, they are very dangerous.

The security apparatus also monitored the movement of Hamas members in
Jordan at different stages to reconnoiter some vital targets in Amman.

The Jordanian government sees such practices contradict the core of
Jordanian-Palestinian relations as the new Palestinian government committed
not to using Jordan for any purpose or objectives to harm its security and
not to interfering in its internal affairs.

Jordan regretted such practices and affirmed the strong relations with
Palestinian people and Authority. Jordan sees these practices neither serve
these relations nor the higher interests of the Palestinian people and their
cause. The Palestinian people see Jordan's support to their cause stemmed
from its political and historical firm.

Wardat/Petra