Welcome, Mr. Ambassador

Jordanian envoy's return should prompt renewed efforts to bring our relations to their old stature

By Eytan Bentsur|Published: 02.22.05 , 23:56

The arrival of the new Jordanian Ambassador Mr. Marouf Suleiman Bakhit is expected to become a turning point in Jordanian-Israeli relations.

A relatively short while ago, the 10th anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement between Israel and Jordan went unmarked. Instead of celebrating it duly, it passed with no solemnity whatsoever.

Relations that started with great enthusiasm, tourism, and cooperation in a variety of fields, gradually ebbed and deteriorated.

The vociferous forces of anti-normalization in Jordan, mishaps, mistakes committed by both sides, the suspension of the peace process, the ill effect of Palestinian instigations and incitements against Israel culminating in the outbreak of the intifadah, marred the relations to a disturbing low.

Yet the actual relations were better than seemingly projected. There was cooperation in areas of mutual security interests, as well as Israel keeping its commitments regarding water supply and enhancing Jordan’s economy to increase its export manifold, sustained our relations and the mutually vested interests therein.

Thus, the new developments in the region, and particularly Israel’s initiative to dismantle settlements and the election of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, paved the way for the return, after a long absence, of the Jordanian Ambassador.

The return of the Jordanian Ambassador should serve as a beginning of renewed efforts to bring our relations to their old stature – cooperation in all walks of life, tolerance, tourism on a large scale, trade, culture, and the constant ascent of normalization.

Trade unions and other forces in Jordan that oppose normalization should be urged to accommodate and recognize the benefits of good neighborly relations.

'You have a formidable task ahead'

Jordan could constitute an example as to how normalization will prevail in the region once the peace process is re-ignited in the spirit of the Madrid procession for a comprehensive peace.

A glimpse at ameliorated Jordanian-Israeli relations should set the pattern for a future regime of peace-comprehensive peace in the region.

The thousands of Israeli students (from Arab and Druze sectors) in Jordanian universities mingling with fellow students from the Arab world will be the nucleus of better understanding and affinity of the next generation of the populace of the region.

Likewise, the government of Jordan is expected to encourage Jordanian universities that wish to open extensions in Israel; students should reach out and solidify the foundation of peace.

Welcome, Mr. Ambassador. You have a formidable task ahead: to better Israeli-Jordanian relations so that they become a model for a comprehensive Middle East peace process. I believe that you will find us doing our utmost to render your mission successful.

Eytan Bentsur is a former Foreign Ministry Director-General and author of several books