Jordan to observe naval exercise involving Israel

Jordan says it's accepted an invitation to attend controversial naval exercises involving Israel and Turkey as an observer.

Jordan's acting information minister, Nasser Lawzi, said the matter was an issue of national sovereignty.

He added that an announcement would be made later about the size and rank of Jordan's delegation.

A one-day exercise in the Mediterranean involving Israeli, Turkish and American forces will practice search and rescue missions and is said to have no combat dimension.

It's been strongly criticised by some Arabcountries; correspondents say they are unhappy at the growing ties between Israel and Turkey, seeing them as a threat to Muslim solidarity.

The manoeuvres are being held under a military cooperation agreement between Turkey and Israel.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service