The Reagan Administration has sought to reassure King Hussein of Jordan that he will still receive the Administration’s proposed arms package of advanced planes and missiles.
State Department deputy spokesman Charles Redman stressed Friday that President Reagan had “not encouraged or supported” the resolution, adopted by the Senate by a 97-1 vote Thursday, postponing the sale until March I unless Jordan begins peace negotiations with Israel.
“It is the view of the President that this resolution clears the way for the proposed advanced sale by March I,” Redman said.
“Clearly, the Administration would have preferred to proceed promptly with the entire defense package for Jordan which we believe is eminently justified on the merits of the case, ” Redman added. “We are convinced the King’s commitment to the peace is genuine and solid and we look forward to making material progress in the weeks ahead.”
The Senate resolution was worked out by supporters and opponents of the arms sale after the Senate Republican leadership saw chances of the sale being rejected by the Senate,where 74 Senators had endorsed a resolution opposing the sale. Opponents of the sale stressed that if direct negotiations have not begun before March 1 they will reintroduce the resolution of disapproval.
Redman stressed Friday that the President is committed “to seeking progress in the weeks ahead.”
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