TEHRAN According to a report published in the weekly Akhbar al-Usbou, Jordan has allowed the terrorist Mujahedeen Khalq Organization (MKO) to open an office in that country. Undoubtedly, such a move is a hostile measure towards the Islamic Republic of Iran at a time when Jordan claims that it is determined to expand brotherly ties with Iran. Ironically Jordan's Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Jawad al-Anani is currently in Iran with a message of friendship and brotherhood.

So the olive branch of Mr. Al-Anani and permission to MKO to set up an office in Amman seem rather paradoxical. It is quite surprising that when the MKO has stirred strong criticism throughout the world for its terrorist activities, specially its recent bombings in Tehran, the Jordanian government officially provides the terrorists with a safe haven which will definitely help them carry out their dastardly acts.

In the past Jordan used to support the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. For instance, it supported Iraq during the 1980-1988 imposed war. However, we believe that Jordan is serious in mending fences with the Islamic Republic of Iran. But such policies will be an stumbling block to a real rapprochement between Tehran and Amman. The most rational way for Jordan to prove its goodwill is to distance itself from a terrorist group like MKO and shut up its office on its soil.

All foreign and Arab countries, including Iraq, have welcomed Iran's initiative on boosting regional cooperation and maintaining the security of the region to deter the common enemy, i.e., the Zionist regime. They have also taken positive steps in this regard. It is not in the national interest of Jordan to alienate itself from other regional countries.