Special to WorldTribune.com

AMMAN — Jordan is preparing for the return of the leader of
the Hamas movement.

The Hashemite kingdom has invited Hamas political bureau chief Khaled
Masha’al, expelled in 1999. Officials said Masha’al would be accompanied by
Qatari Crown Prince Hamad Bein Tamim Al Thani and meet senior officials.

“His visit marks a new chapter in relations between Jordan and Hamas,” Jordanian Information Minister Rakan Al Majali said.

Al Majali said Masha’al and the Qatari prince would arrive in Jordan on Jan. 29. The Jordanian minister said the two visitors would be received by King Abdullah but did not say how long they would stay.

Officials said Jordan has been under pressure from Qatar to restore the Hamas presence in the kingdom. But they said Amman has been determined not to allow Hamas political activity in Jordan although the government did not rule out the return of the families of movement leaders.

“The re-opening Hamas offices in Amman is not on the agenda,” Al Majali said.

Hamas, however, has portrayed the Masha’al visit as marking a
re-assessment by Jordan. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said his organization
sought to open an office in Amman.

“It is meant to bolster political cooperation, re-organize relations with
Jordan and examine the means to open a Hamas office in Amman,” Abu Zuhri
said.

As Masha’al arrives in Jordan, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh was
scheduled to begin another Middle East tour. Hamas said Haniyeh, who was
considering replacing Masha’al, would visit Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran and
Qatar.

  Crown Prince Hamad Bein Tamim Al Thani, Hamas leader’s Jordan visit his first since 1999 expulsion, Ismail Haniyeh, Khaled Masha’al, King Abdullah, Rakan Al Majali, Sami Abu Zuhri