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