U.S. Seeks to Help Ease Jordan’s Debts
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WASHINGTON — President Clinton is urging Japan, Germany, France and other creditor nations to cancel or defer Jordan’s debts to help its new young king cope with a faltering economy.
King Abdullah II arrived Friday for a weeklong official visit that will include a meeting with Clinton at the White House on Tuesday and talks with Cabinet officials and members of Congress.
Since ascending to the Jordanian throne after the death of his father, King Hussein, three months ago, Abdullah has shown coolness to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reached out to Syria for better relations.
Clinton already has forgiven Jordan’s $700-million debt to the U.S. and is providing $200 million in yearly assistance.
Martin Indyk, the assistant secretary of State for the Near East, told reporters that Clinton was asking other nations to also forgive or defer Jordan’s debts.
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