FOREIGN MINISTER ON BILATERAL ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 003151

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/19/2010
TAGS: PREL CASC CJAN EFIN PHUM MARR JO
SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER ON BILATERAL ISSUES


1. (C) During an introductory call on Foreign Minister
Qasrawi on April 19, Charge reviewed important outstanding
bilateral issues, emphasizing that they came in the context
of our overall excellent relationship. Qasrawi had received
a non-paper on these issues prior to the meeting, and in
responding drew from a document prepared by his staff. Key
issues:

--Article 98 Agreement. Charge stressed the importance of
rapid ratification by parliament, and drew Qasrawi's
attention to the consequences of the Nethercutt amendment.
Qasrawi responded that Jordan is committed to the text even
without ratification, but planned to present the agreement to
parliament along with the Rome Statute, which was put into
force by a temporary law when parliament was not in session.
(Charge also raised in his introductory call on the Prime
Minister, who took note of the request.)

--Anti-Money Laundering Law. Qasrawi said the GOJ was
committed to moving the draft law through both houses of
parliament as soon as possible, and treated this matter with
the utmost seriousness. (Separately, in the past week Prime
Minister Badran, Royal Court Minister Muasher, and Finance
Minister Awadallah all pledged that the law would by royal
decree be put on the agenda for the next emergency session of
parliament, expected to convene no later than June 2005.)

--Consular MOU. Qasrawi said the U.S.-proposed bilateral MOU
on child custody issues was the subject of study by an
inter-ministerial committee, which will meet for a second
time on April 28 to seek internal consensus on the document.
(On April 18, Charge reviewed this issue with the new
Interior Minister, who pledged his support.)

--Terrorist Finance and Judicial Assistance. Charge thanked
Qasrawi for the formation of an inter-ministerial committee
to enhance Jordanian review of requests for assistance.
Qasrawi said the committee had concluded there should be no
difficulties in cooperation on requests that are made in the
context of implementing UNSCR 1267, but difficulties might
arise if no such link is evident. Charge and the Foreign
Minister agreed to discuss in greater detail at a later date.


--Extradition Treaty. Charge described the anomalous
situation of our bilateral extradition treaty, which we
regard as being in force but which Jordanian courts have
rejected absent ratification by parliament. Qasrawi said
developing a strategy for successful parliamentary
ratification would need careful consideration, but promised
to pursue the matter with cabinet colleagues.

--Trafficking in Persons. Charge stressed the importance of
Jordan's agreement to the relevant UN convention and adoption
of related legislation. Qasrawi said the matter was under
review.
HALE