Alwaght- Jordan intends to reclaim full sovereignty over farmland leased to Israeli regime as part of the 1994 treaty, King Abdullah II said Sunday.
"We are practicing our full sovereignty on our land,” the Jordanian King said, announcing the Kingdom’s intention to opt out of parts of the peace treaty which permitted Israelis to use 405 hectares of their farmland. In an “era of regional turmoil,” the King stressed, “our priority in these regional circumstances is to protect our interests and do whatever is required for Jordan and the Jordanians."
Jordan and usurper Israeli regime signed a treaty in 1994, part of which included handing over lands of Baqura and Ghamar to Tel Aviv for 25 years which Amman can claim back if it cancels the existing arrangement. The deadline for renewing the leases is set for October 25.
The news was well received in Jordan, with many officials praising the “historic” decision, “which serves the higher interests of Jordan.” The King’s announcement was prompted by mass public pressure and demands for the monarchy to reclaim their pastures. Taking to the streets Friday, Jordanian activists shouted in unison “The people want national honor” and “The story is about national sovereignty".
In the meantime, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautiously expressed hope that Jordanians will change their mind. He stressed that he will work with Jordan in an effort to try to renegotiate the land agreement which is automatically renewable unless either Tel Aviv or Amman give a year’s notice to terminate the deal.
"We will go into negotiations with them on the option of extending the existing agreement,” Netanyahu said.