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