Special to WorldTribune.com

AMMAN — Jordan, in what was expected to hamper reconciliation, has
blocked an official visit by Hamas.

The Hashemite kingdom has prevented a visit by Hamas political bureau
chief Khaled Masha’al. Jordanian sources said the General Intelligence
agency recommended against allowing Masha’al to enter amid rising Islamic
unrest.

“There are official sides that are against this visit,” Islamic Action
Front leader Zaki Bin Rusheid said. “And they have been trying to prevent
any dialogue between the two sides.”

Hamas has acknowledged that Masha’al would not be allowed to enter
Jordan. Masha’al’s deputy, Mussa Abu Marzouq, said Jordan has not responded
to Hamas appeals for an official visit.

“As we have yet to receive a positive response from the Jordanian side,
there are currently no plans for a visit,” Abu Marzouq said.

In an interview with the Jordan Times, Abu Marzouq said Masha’al’s visit
was blocked by what he termed a “lack of commitment” by Amman. He did not
say whether Hamas plans to renew its request for a Masha’al visit.

Masha’al has submitted several requests to visit Jordan. The sources
said Hamas sought to convene meetings between Masha’al and senior Jordanian
officials in October or November.

In 1999, Jordan expelled the Hamas leadership out of concern that it was
intervening in the kingdom. Over the last few months, however, Saudi Arabia
pressed Jordan to allow for the reopening of Hamas offices in Amman.

At the same time, King Abdullah has sought to ease tensions with the
Islamist opposition. On Nov. 24, a Jordanian military court was reported to
have released 37 Salafists out of 103 arrested in April.

  Amman, Islamic Action Front, Jordan cancels visit by Hamas leader as King seeks to ease tensions, King Abdullah, Mussa Abu Marzouq, Salafists, Zaki Bin Rusheid