A resolution opposing the sale of advanced U.S. arms to Jordan was introduced last Thursday by Sens. John Heinz (R. Pa.), Edward Kennedy (D. Mass.) Gary Hart (D. Col.) and Rudy Boschwitz (R. Minn.). It was supported by 47 other Senators.
The resolution is similar to one sponsored by a majority of the Senate last year but never voted on because the Reagan Administration has not officially proposed selling arms to Jordan.
Heinz said that while the Administration has still not announced its intention to sell specific arms to Jordan, it has reportedly discussed with Jordan the possibility of providing F-5G and F-16 aircraft, portable Singer anti-aircraft missiles. Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and laser-guided bombs.
“We are all anxious to find a way to persuade the King (Hussein) to join the peace negotiations, “Heinz said. “But Jordan must enter negotiations as a state committed to peace, willing to compromise, not as a reluctant participant brought to the table by a weapon sale.” He added that with Hussein’s “past record on non-commitment, an arms sale at this time without definite assurance would be a gamble with terrible odds.”
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