Last update - 00:00 09/09/2007
Jordanian authorities refuse entry to Islamic Movement head
By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent
Jordanian authorities on Sunday prevented the head of Israel's northern Islamic Movement branch, Sheikh Raed Salah, from entering Jordan.
Islamic Movement sources said that Salah crossed into Jordan through the Sheikh Hussein crossing near Beit She'an, only to be returned to Israel shortly thereafter by Jordanian officials.
The Jordanians did not give a reason for barring Salah entry. He was supposed to reach Amman in order to take part in a week of activities under the banner, "Our Jerusalem," organized by a union of engineers.
The government of Jordan is known to have tense relationships with labor unions in the country. Additionally, Israeli sources have told Haaretz in the past that Amman would prevent Salah from visiting Jordanian territory.
Salah was invited to Jordan in 2001 by King Abdullah II to the Eid al-Fitr feast, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. Salah was barred entry once he reached the border. However, last week, Salah took part in a pilgrimage to Mecca and spent one night in Jordan on his way to Saudi Arabia.