MEDIA REACTION ON JORDAN'S EXPORTS TO U.S.,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 006340 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARN, NEA/PA, NEA/AIA, INR/NESA, R/MR, I/GNEA, B/BXN, B/BRN, NEA/PPD, NEA/IPA FOR ALTERMAN USAID/ANE/MEA LONDON FOR GOLDRICH PARIS FOR O'FRIEL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR JO SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON JORDAN'S EXPORTS TO U.S., IRAQ Summary A lead story in all papers today, October 2, focuses on King Abdullah's talks with French President Chirac on Iraq and peace in the region. Another story in all papers highlights Foreign Minister Muasher's interview to Kuwaiti Newspaper Al-Rai Al-`Aam, in which he said that Jordan is not ready under any circumstance to receive ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, denying any mediation on the part of the United States. All papers also report that Jordan has rejected Israel's request to use the Port of Aqaba to receive goods coming to Israel after a labor strike at the three Israeli sea ports. Stories also highlight developments in Iraq, citing an AFP report that Washington welcomed Jordan's willingness to train Iraqi army and police. Editorial Commentary on Secretary Powell's Speech -- "Jordan's Exports to the United States" After wondering why the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs) in Jordan have succeeded while the Free Trade Agreement has failed so far, daily columnist Fahd Fanek writes on the back page of semi-official, influential Arabic daily Al-Rai (10/02): "In order to explain this phenomenon and answer those questions, we must notice that most of the industries that were set up in the QIZs were basically set up for the U.S. Market and therefore, they comply with U.S. standards and have guaranteed markets. . . Jordan is also relatively distinguished in its garments industry because it has a surplus of labor. If we take a look at the cheap Jordanian labor, the clothes manufactured in Jordan can compete strongly." Fanek adds: "Most companies that operate at the QIZs are run by experienced foreign managers and investors, who enjoy high technical and marketing expertise. This is contrary to normal Jordanian industries that were developed under the protection of customs, which has led to high costs and low quality, in which these industries are being run by sons who have inherited the management from their fathers based on ownership rather than qualifications." Fanek concludes: "The success of the QIZs is understandable and deserves to be welcomed. Meanwhile, the failure of the Jordanian industry in taking advantage of the FTA is regrettable and requires early treatment to identify the reasons and diagnose the problem to start tackling it." -- "Taysir Allouni in the FBI Report" Commenting on the FBI's report on journalist Taysir Allouni, daily columnist Yasser Za'atreh writes on the op-ed page of center-left, influential Arabic daily Al- Dustour (10/02): "By pursuing Allouni, the United States wanted to a send out a threat to every Arab voice which seeks to cover Arab issues that have a positive impact on the Arab and Islamic streets. There is no doubt that the threat made by the U.S.-appointed governing council in Iraq to both Al-Jazirah and Al- Arabiyyah satellite channels confirms this. Besides, has Al-Jazirah committed a crime when it broadcasted a tape of Saddam white it is normal for foreign, including U.S., channels to do so? -- "The Iraqi Antidote and the "Required" Arab Silence" Daily columnist Urayb Rintawi, who writes on the op-ed page of center-left, influential Arabic daily Al- Dustour(10/02),maintained that Arabs have diverted attention to Iraq, after Palestine, and want to resist occupation "to the last Iraqi" after it was "to the last Palestinian." He notes that Arab satellite stations highlight resistance and struggle, but do not mention the positive side of the formation of political parties, over 100 newspapers and publications, comparative calm and quiet in most areas, awareness and some government services, and constructive dialogue, in addition to an Interim Council that is more democratic and representative than most Arab governments. In conclusion, Rintawi says: "Those who have been used to the antidote from Iraq, have nothing to offer to the Iraqis except urging them to become martyrs and, at the same time, wishing them a long life. These people are better off keeping silent, than uttering poison every time they talk about Iraq and the Iraqis." GNEHM