King, Pompeo discuss Syria developments

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday received a phone call from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and discussed with him developments in the region, especially the Syrian crisis, according to a Royal Court statement.

A government official said on Monday that Jordan was closely following up on developments in the south of Syria.

“We are monitoring the developments in the southern parts of Syria and we are prepared to protect our interests and national security,” the source told The Jordan Times.

He said that Jordan started direct contact with the US and Russia regarding the developments in the area, which is designated as a de-escalation zone under a deal reached between Amman and the two major powers.

Russia called on Tuesday for organising a meeting, as soon as possible with the United States and Jordan about the future of southern Syria, a region where Washington recently warned Damascus against launching an offensive.

“Contacts are continuing with the Jordanians and the Americans” about this area where different armed groups are located, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Last year Russia, Jordan and the United States joined an agreement to create a “de-escalation zone” in the area as guarantors.