Correct decision

The decision to declare Syrian Ambassador Bahjat Suleiman persona non grata should not come as a surprise, given the repeated violations of diplomatic norms committed by the ambassador for a long time.

The ambassador hurled insults and offences at the country’s people and leadership through social media and personal contacts.

That is unbecoming of a diplomat, and all the more so when he represents a brotherly neighbouring nation whose people, fleeing the raging war in their country, are given gracious refuge in the Kingdom.

The main function of an ambassador is to promote the best relations with the country where he/she is based.

An envoy should try to bridge, or explain, differences between the country he/she represents and the host country, with the goal of improving bilateral ties.

Ambassador Suleiman was doing just the opposite, throwing provocative insults at Jordan and its institutions.

He ridiculed the Kingdom’s position on regional issues, including the conflict in his own country, seemingly unaware of the fact that Jordan has been advocating, since the beginning of the problems in Syria, the need for a peaceful political solution to the crisis.

Jordan is housing more than a million Syrians who fled their homeland because of the failed policy of Damascus.

Instead of appreciating Jordan’s constructive policy and practices, the Syrian ambassador found only reasons to criticise and insult.

He may have felt obliged to defend the regime he represented, but he should have behaved as the diplomat he was, not as its sycophantic employee.

Ambassador apart, Jordan’s relations with Syria are not bound to be affected.

It is just hoped that the lesson will be learnt and there will be no repeat of such improper behaviour.