PRIME MINISTER REAFFIRMS DECISION ON RJ FLIGHTS,

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 000385

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/15/2014
TAGS: PREL PINR EAIR IZ JO
SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER REAFFIRMS DECISION ON RJ FLIGHTS,
RELUCTANTLY


Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDWARD W. GNEHM, REASONS (B) & (D)


1. (C) The Iraqi Ba,ath party,s January 14 public threat to
Royal Jordanian flights to Baghdad, which had only just
resumed on January 9 following a month-plus long suspension,
again has given Jordanian officials a severe case of cold
feet over RJ,s service and their own accountability in the
event of an incident. Following internal government review
and the Ambassador,s intervention, Prime Minister Fayez
informed the Ambassador on January 15 that he would allow the
flights to continue. (In all of our discussions with
Jordanian officials, we have emphasized the importance of
this service to our operations in Iraq, but also expressed
sober awareness of the threat environment and the
Jordanians, responsibility for the decisions they take.)


2. (C) However, decision-makers, acute discomfort with
responsibility for the safety of these flights remains
evident. Jordanian officials have sought from us assurances
about the completeness of security measures at BIAP,
assurances that of course cannot be provided. The GOJ values
these flights both as an important, tangible way to support
coalition efforts in Iraq, as well as a long-term investment
in solidifying RJ,s presence in the Iraq aviation market.
However, as specific and direct threats are made toward RJ,
we can expect further moments of hesitation by GOJ officials
and a consequent need for continued information exchanges
among us, CPA, and Jordan on BIAP security issues.






GNEHM