Jordan Times
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Muasher to meet Barnier in
Amman today
AMMAN (JT) — Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher said Monday he would meet his
French counterpart Michel Barnier to discuss efforts to secure the release of
two French newsmen abducted in Iraq.
"We are ready to help to the extent that we can," Muasher told AFP, adding that
he was due to hold talks with Barnier, who arrived in Amman yesterday.
"During the abduction of citizens in Iraq, Amman contacted Iraqi tribal members
and Sunni ulemas who helped secure their release," Muasher said. "We are ready
to use these contacts to help solve this crisis."
Eight Jordanians were abducted in Iraq in July and August but they were later
released through mediation efforts.
Barnier met Monday in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit and
Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa before heading to Alexandria for talks
with General Omar Soleiman, Egypt's intelligence chief.
Minister of State and Government Spokesperson Asma Khader yesterday told her
weekly press briefing that Jordan condemns the kidnapping of the two French
journalists. "Such actions are against the essence of Islam. They do not support
Arab and Muslim causes," Khader stressed.