Philip Habib, former Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, who is now on special assignment by the Carter Administration, met with Premier Menachem Begin today to discusses a potential dispute between Israel and Jordan over the waters of the Yarmuk River. He is seeking a compromise under which the water rights of both countries would be protected.
Jordan is planning a large-scale irrigation project which includes construction of the Makaren Dam on the Yarmuk. The river, which is in Jordanian territory, feeds the Jordan River, an important water source for Israel. Begin reportedly told Habib that he did not oppose the Jordanian project but wants to ensure Israel’s water rights.
The U.S. has been involved in water rights disputes between Israel and Jordan since the early 1950. At that time, both countries accepted a plan worked out by an American expert, Eric Johnston.
Today’s meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Ariel Sharon and top water resources experts. The discussions were largely on a professional level. Habib will take up the matter with the Jordanians later. He said, however, that he does not intend to discuss Jordan’s joining in the autonomy talks when he goes to Amman.
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