JORDANIAN ISLAMIST LEADERS CALL FOR POLITICAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 008225 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/16/2013 TAGS: PGOV ECON KDEM KISL JO KTER SUBJECT: JORDANIAN ISLAMIST LEADERS CALL FOR POLITICAL REFORM; REJECT PRIVATIZATION AND PRICE HIKES REF: A. AMMAN 07909 ¶B. AMMAN 07507 ¶C. AMMAN 07000 Classified By: Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm for Reasons 1.5 (B,D) -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) In recent press interviews, the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Action Front welcomed government dialogue efforts, but warned that they would judge the government by its actions, rather than its words. The Islamists called for political reform, a new electoral law, and a stronger Parliament free of government control, while flatly rejecting privatization of state companies, tax hikes and/or price increases. End Summary. -------------- MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD "OPTIMISTIC" -------------- ¶2. (U) The "Controller General" of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) in Jordan, Abul Majed Dhneibat, gave an interview published in the Arabic daily Al Rai on December 7. As noted ref c, Prime Minister Faisal al-Fayez had earlier paid a courtesy call on Dhneibat and met with members of the Islamic Action Front (the MB's political wing) as part of his wide-ranging efforts to establish dialogue with all sectors of Jordanian society. ¶3. (U) In the interview, Dhneibat said that he was "hopeful" about what he had heard from Fayez. "I am optimistic, not pessimistic," stated Dhneibat. He commended Fayez as having "an Islamic, Arab good nature" and of being "a good and attentive listener." According to Dhneibat, the MB agreed with the government's call for political development and greater democracy (see ref b),and fully supported dialogue "as a means of getting us out of the numerous dilemmas that the previous governments have gotten us into with their policies." Dhneibat further opined that dialogue should be marked by "transparency and respect for someone else's opinion." -------------- WORDS OF CAUTION -------------- ¶4. (U) Dhneibat mixed cautionary statements in with his conciliatory words. He said that it was "unfortunate" that no Islamists had been appointed to the new Senate, and claimed that this was "a negative indicator and one that is not encouraging for political development." He also feared that Islamist exclusion from the Senate was "part of a series of links to drive out the Islamic movement in this country despite the movement's obvious presence in the institutions of civil society." ¶5. (U) While supporting talks with the government, Dhneibat said that the MB "does not want a dialogue with no objective" or one between "two deaf parties." Political dialogue had to eventually result in change of the current one-person, one-vote electoral system, as well as provisions of the Municipalities Law providing for appointment, rather then election, of city mayors and up to half of city council members. He called on the government to begin implementing Islamic law "gradually" as a way of "preserving the Arab, Islamic identity and defending our homeland from the Zionist grip that is threatening our future." Dhneibat further asked that Jordan's trade unions/professional associations (which are dominated by anti-normalizers) be given the right to freely express themselves and engage in "political activity." -------------- PRIVATIZE AT YOUR PERIL -------------- ¶6. (U) Claiming that Jordan's "strength and independence" came from control of its "basic resources," particularly potash and cement, Dhneibat flatly rejected privatization of "strategic" state enterprises. "Encroaching on these companies and selling them is considered to be an encroachment on the nation's independence," said Dhneibat. -------------- IAF FLEXING ITS MUSCLES -------------- ¶7. (U) In a separate interview published December 8 in the Arabic daily al-Arab al-Yawm, IAF MP Azzam Al-Hnaidi (West Banker, Amman - 2nd District) discussed IAF goals in Parliament. Claiming that "the government clearly interfered in the (Lower) House's work over the past period," Hnaidi said that the IAF backed Abdul Hadi Majali for Speaker (see ref a) after agreeing with him to strengthen Parliament's "prestige" and "independence." According to Hnaidi, the IAF reached agreement with Majali over "administration" of Lower House sessions to better allow for discussion with ministers of "the demands of their constituencies." ¶8. (U) Hnaidi said that Majali also agreed to help amend current laws relating to "democracy, public liberties and the people's tribulation," including the Electoral Law and the Municipalities Law. He denied reaching any understanding on HAMAS leaders deported from Jordan in 1999, saying, "We call for their return, but HAMAS was not mentioned in the agreement." ¶9. (U) Like Dhneibat, Hnaidi commended PM Fayez for his efforts at dialogue and for having "an open mind toward all the parties." But he added that, "What counts is what takes place on the ground. The previous government began with big (promises) . . but matters ran in the opposite direction. Achievements will be the judge." Hnaidi welcomed further government dialogue, but warned that talks had to be "a two-way street" and that all agreements "should be implemented and not remain ink on paper." -------------- "YES" TO BUDGET CUTS, "NO" TO PRICE HIKES -------------- ¶10. (U) With respect to the economy, Hnaidi deemed the retention of ministers from the former government's economic team as "not an encouraging sign." He called for a specific plan to reduce government expenses and cut the budget deficit, but without imposing new taxes or increasing prices. "We warn the government against the consequences of taking any step that might raise prices or taxes," said Hnaidi, claiming that Jordanians "can no longer bear an increase in the price of any commodity." Hnaidi further stated that the IAF would "strongly oppose the privatization of any big company in Jordan," and would continue to fight against privatizing the state phosphates company. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶11. (C) Dhneibat's and Hnaidi's populist statements indicate that the Islamists will not quietly accept being sidelined by the new government. We can expect them to become vocal if, after the current honeymoon period, PM Fayez fails to take action on their most important agenda items. The Islamists are also trying to bolster their standing amongst ordinary Jordanians, many of whom are wary of their conservative social views, by grabbing onto popular opposition against a potential increase in commodity prices and/or the sales tax. Visit Embassy Amman's classified web site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/amman or access the site through the State Department's SIPRNET home page. GNEHM