Ambassador safe back home

Jordanian Ambassador Fawaz Aitan is finally back home after four weeks in captivity in Libya.

His release came as a relief not only for his family but for all Jordanians who worried that one of their country’s ambassadors could be harmed.

Aitan’s freedom came at a price: Libyan prisoner Mohamed Dersi, who was serving life in prison in Jordan for plotting to carry out a bombing attack at Queen Alia International Airport in 2006, was handed over to the Tripoli authorities.

Now, according to the Jordanian government, Dersi, will spend his term in Libyan jails.

The swap happened after the two countries reached an extradition agreement, and, no doubt, after strenuous mediation efforts with the captors.

The past four weeks must have been difficult for the Jordanian authorities — particularly the General Intelligence Department and the Foreign Ministry — attempting to save the life of an innocent Jordanian, an ambassador who represents us all abroad.

The country stands firm against negotiations with any group attempting to achieve gains through terror acts, in this particular case by holding a hostage, as this sets a precedent and thus poses dangers to other ambassadors and Jordanian nationals who should not become targets to be used as bargaining chips.

In the case of Ambassador Aitan, for whose freedom authorities had to let go of a convicted terrorist, authorities worked assiduously to reach an agreement with Libya, and probably the captors, to have Dersi serve his sentence in Libya, an arrangement that is seen as fair by many.

Aitan is back home in good health, and the country is relieved that this frightening episode is over.

But there are lessons to be drawn from this incident, namely according Jordanian ambassadors serving in dangerous areas adequate protection, or keeping them at home until enough security can be afforded.

With acts of terrorism on the rise worldwide, Jordan must remain vigilant and ready to prevent any attack on its diplomats.