The Jordanian newspaper `Al-Ray' reported the minister's comments on:

• members of the Islamic movement Hamas in Jordan
• Palestinian hopes in the wake of the Wye agreement
• Iraq's suspension of co-operation with UN weapons inspectors

Wye Plantation criticism

Information Minister Nasir Judah said: "The [Jordanian] government has not prevented Hamas members from criticising the Wye Plantation accord.

"We live in a democratic country where the freedom of expression is respected.

"Anyone has the right to criticise the Wye Plantation agreement, but we will not be a base for launching operations against anybody, for this is against our principles.

"We are also against any provocative statements which violate the law or encourage terrorism and violence.

"There are Jordanian citizens who belong to Hamas and other factions, politically and ideologically. We respect the freedom of expression and criticism within the constraints of law, regulations and the Jordanian Constitution."

Jordanian leverage

On Israel's decision to build 120 housing units in the West Bank he said: "We hope that this decision will not hamper the implementation of the agreement.

"The important thing is to wait and see how the implementation takes place."

He said Jordan needs to pursue its role with respect to the implementation of the Wye Plantation agreement and the measures the two parties are required to make under the agreement.

The minister said that the Palestinians insist on having Jordan use its relations and leverage to help them get their rights under the agreement.

He said: "What interests us now is that the Palestinians regain all their legitimate rights on their national soil.

"Time to end" Iraqi suffering

On Jordan's position after Iraq suspended co-operation with the UN inspectors, the minister said: "We hope that there will be no escalation from both sides, and that there will be commitment to international legitimacy to get out of the dark tunnel and end the suffering of the Iraqi people in all its forms.

"The Iraqi people have suffered a great deal and it is time to end all this by having all parties resort to reason and logic."