AMMAN (AP) - Jordan has turned to Europe for an anti-missile system after
Russian delays on a deal to help the Kingdom defend its airspace in the
event of a US-led war on Iraq, officials said Tuesday.
The Kingdom negotiated with Russia last year to acquire the S-300
surface-to-air missile system. Russia had initially suggested that the
system would be installed in February at the latest, but recently said
delivery was not possible before the end of the year.
Minister of State for Political Affairs and Minister of Information Mohammad
Adwan acknowledged efforts were under way for improved defence capabilities.
"We are reviewing all options to protect our citizens, land and airspace,"
he told the Associated Press.
Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Jordan has reached
advanced talks on an anti-missile battery system to be deployed in various
parts of the Kingdom.
They suggested German and Dutch arms firms as likely suppliers, but declined
to provide other details or reveal information on the financial terms of the
deal.
Jordanian airspace was violated in the 1991 Gulf War, when Iraq launched 39
Scud missiles against Israel. None of the Scuds exploded over Jordan.
Wedged between Israel to its west and Iraq to its east, the Kingdom is keen
to secure its air defence before a possible showdown on Baghdad.
The United States and Britain accuse Iraq of hiding weapons of mass
destruction, including chemical and biological warheads, and have threatened
to go to war "to force Iraq to disarm." Iraq has denied the charges.
On Thursday, His Majesty King Abdullah warned that chances to avert a US-led
war on Iraq have "become slim," despite tenacious efforts with unspecified
world countries for a diplomatic solution to the looming crisis.
Jordan has rejected a US offer for upgraded Patriot batteries.
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
http://www.jordantimes.com/Wed/homenews/homenews2.htm
Yoo-hoo, Saddam! Jordan's defences are a little slim right now. Thinking about redrawing your borders? Well then, come on over. Hint hint wink wink.
[That little Hashemite king would just love to fight off Saddam (with a little help from Uncle Sam)... all the way to Baghdad. Can you say "Hashemite Iraq"?]
About to be fulfilled.