1.
GV & SV Security outside palace. (2 SHOTS)
0.10

2.
GVs PAN Doctor El Baz arrives and is greeted by King Hussein. (3 SHOTS)
0.35

3.
SV PULL BACK TO GV El Baz and King Hussein speaking. (2 SHOTS)
1.00




Initials MAW/JRS





Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Following the resumption of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Jordan on September 25, a senior Egyptian diplomat, Dr. Osma El Baz, arrived in Amman for consultations with King Hussein on September 27. The subject of the meeting was not disclosed. Both Jordan and Egypt have said that they hope their renewed contract will herald increasing Arab unity, but the move has so far enjoyed little positive support in the Arab world. Libya and Syria have been particularly hostile in their reactions to the situation. The Libyan news agency JANA called it a sell-out to Israel "in return for a shaky and unrealistic Jordanian/Palestinian entity backed by Washington and Tel Aviv". The Saudi Arabian response was less vitriolic but still included a condemnation of Jordan for breaking ranks with the Arab League, which declared a boycott against Egypt in 1979 after the signing of the Camp David peace accord with Israel. Jordan has been at pains to make it clear that the resumption of contact with Egypt does not mean acceptance of the Camp David agreement, which, they say, makes inadequate provision for the Palestinian people. Syria has warned ominously of punishment for those countries "who violate Arab Summit resolutions". The only Arab country to give definite backing to the move so far is Oman. The pro-Western sultanate defied the 1979 boycott and has retained diplomatic links with Egypt. A spokesman expressed "pleasure and satisfaction" over what he termed a "step that consolidates Arab solidarity and Arab interests".