Read and comment on this story from the Associated Press that Jordan expressed regret Sunday that U.S. volunteer aid and development workers were pulling out, but said it understood U.S. security concerns following recent riots and the assassination of a U.S. diplomat at:
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Jordan expresses regret at Peace Corps pullout
By The Associated Press
AMMAN, Jordan - Jordan expressed regret Sunday that U.S. volunteer aid and development workers were pulling out, but said it understood U.S. security concerns following recent riots and the assassination of a U.S. diplomat.
The U.S. Peace Corps announced Saturday it was suspending its program in Jordan following a decision by the State Department to allow the departure of nonessential embassy personnel and dependents in Amman. The Peace Corps withdrawal involves an estimated 30 to 40 volunteers.
Peace Corps officials in Amman had no immediate comment and instructed volunteers not to speak to reporters
"We regret this decision," Information Minister Mohammad Affash Adwan said. "But we stress that Jordan remains one of the safest and most secure countries in the world."
He reiterated that Jordan - one of America's closest allies in the Middle East - would do its utmost to protect foreigners in the country.
"We understand the American government's concern over the safety of its citizens and diplomats all over the world, especially in view of recent incidents worldwide, which include the assassination of the American diplomat in Jordan," Adwan told The Associated Press.
On Oct. 28, Laurence Foley, a U.S. aid agency official, was gunned down outside his home in Amman as he was leaving for work in the morning. Officials say they believe the attack was politically motivated and have questioned dozens of Islamic militants, but have reported no progress in finding the gunman.
Earlier this month, police clashed with gunmen in Ma'an after storming the southern, remote city in search of armed fugitives wanted for killings and damage to public property. Five people, including two policemen, were killed in the shootouts, 210 kilometers (130 miles) south of the capital.
Last week, the governor of Amman announced a ban on a planned demonstration by professional organizations and unions in support of Iraq and the Palestinians, saying that it had not been authorized.
The unions said the ban was an infringement of their basic rights while other critics accused the government of fearing the demonstration would turn into a display of anger against America and the Israelis.
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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Safety and Security of Volunteers; COS - Jordan