The Iraqi government yesterday criticized Jordan for allegedly allowing former president Saddam Hussein's family to fund a network seeking to destabilize Iraq.
"It is regrettable to say that until now there are big numbers of elements, not only former regime elements, but supervisors of some terrorist groups who are in Jordan," government spokesman Laith Kubba told reporters.
Kubba cited Saddam's relatives who live in Jordan, where they have "huge amounts of money" to "support ... efforts to revive Baath Party organizations." Kubba did not specify individual family members, but Saddam's two oldest daughters live in the Jordanian capital Amman.
Relations between Jordan and Iraq have been strained since the collapse of Saddam's regime in 2003 over various issues. However, it appeared Kubba's statements were aimed in part at deflecting criticism from Jordan about the possible involvement of Iraqis in subversive operations in Jordan.
Jordanian police have detained an undetermined number of Iraqis as well as other foreign Arab suspects in the Friday rocket attack that missed a US warship in Aqaba.
"We don't want Jordan to harm a quarter of a million Iraqis [living in Jordan] because of one Iraqi" involved in the Friday attack, Kubba said.
There was no immediate comment from the Jordanian government, which has been seeking to improve relations with its eastern neighbor -- once its closest trading partner and only supplier of oil.
Kubba also said a major electricity line between the northern town of Beiji and Baghdad was attacked two days ago, "and this will, of course, affect the power supply in Baghdad." He added that repairs have already begun.
Kubba expressed hope that political leaders would complete the draft of the new constitution in time for the Monday night deadline for parliamentary approval. He suggested that if the factions cannot agree, parliament may have to amend the interim constitution yet again to extend the deadline and prevent the disolution of parliament.
"What happens if the draft is not presented on time, they have two options," Kubba said. "According to the interim constitution, they can extend it one more week as they did before. Otherwise this would be admitting failure and the National Assembly would be dissolved."
Most of the latest agreements have been reached between Shiite and Kurdish negotiators, prompting Sunni Arabs to complain of being sidelined. Sunnis object to several proposals, including federalism, distribution of oil wealth and a special status for the Shiite clerical hierarchy in Najaf.
Sunni Arabs warned they will reject the new constitution if Shiites and Kurds push it through parliament without Sunni consent.
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