(MENAFN- Alghad Newspaper)
AMMAN —AlGhad— The Jaber-Nusseib border point with Syria is expected to be reopened early in 2018, a Jordanian official reportedly told to Quds Press, as soon as 'safe passage is secured for Syrian refugees as well as Jordanians citizens another Jordanian official told AlGhad. Jordan's conditions for the reopening include safe passage for transports and shipments, government and military officials have stressed to AlGhad.
Meanwhile, Syrian opposition, who now control the border point, are demanding to remain in control of the checkpoint, whereas Jordan has expressed reservations.
The official who spoke to AlGhad in anonymity reiterated that the opposition's control of the checkpoint does not help secure safe passage, as Jordan sees it.
For now, Jordan has rehabilitated its side of the border crossing, and reinforced the checkpoint with forces and customs personnel, ahead of its expected reopening soon, the source confirmed.
Defence Expert and Ret Maj Gen Fayez Dweiri stated to AlGhad that the decision to reopen the crossing is not Jordan's, but the Syrian parties; government and opposition.
Dweiri explained that Jordan does not oppose the Syrian forces taking control of the border crossing, so long as Shiite forces remain at a safe distance from the border.
At this point, he said, Jordan's only option is to come to terms with the Syrian government, to secure the area and restore safety for travels and shipments.
On the other hand, Ret Maj Gen Mahmoud Erdeisat said that it is too early to reopen the border crossing, as the situation remains unstable.
Erdeisat underscored that a solution needs to be devised for the opposition hot pockets in the Syrian South, in order to go forward with the restoration of the movement through the border.
It is crucial that government forces fully secure the Nusseib-Damascus highway, which is something the Army cannot pull off at this point, he concluded.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.