By Anshel Pfeffer
U.S. President George Bush, set to arrive in Israel on Wednesday, is likely to visit a second time later this year, Haaretz has learned.
Bush is expected to attend an international convention which President Shimon Peres will hold in May to mark Israel's 60th anniversary. Bush was invited a few months ago, but only recently has Washington confirmed his participation.
The event is being organized by a special team of The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute, an independent academic body affiliated with the Jewish Agency. It will deal with diverse issues ranging from the future of the Jewish people, to geo-politics, technology and environment.
Numerous world leaders and leading scientists will be invited over the next few days.
U.S. announces substantial boost in economic aid to Jordan
The United States will substantially increase its economic assistance to Jordan in fiscal year 2008 by 48 percent to reach $363.5 million, A U.S. embassy statement said Friday.
The 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush last week provides Jordan with US$363.5 million in Economic Support Funds and $300 million in military assistance.
The statement said the act includes the authority for the U.S. to participate in Jordan's Paris Club discounted debt buyback operation. It added that this special authorization is to be provided on an exceptional basis in recognition of the partnership with Jordan.
"Jordan is among our strongest partners and closest friends. This increased level of assistance shows the bipartisan support in America for the difficult choices Jordan has made in its homegrown reform efforts," said U.S. ambassador David Hale in the statement.
Human Rights Watch: Make aid to Jordan conditional on reforms
An international human rights watchdog called on the United States and the European Union last month to hold back funding to Jordan unless the country reforms laws restricting freedom of assembly and association.
Human Rights Watch said both donors have promised to assist Jordan in developing its democratic institutions and strengthening civil society but have provided funding without demanding necessary reforms.
"It's a futile exercise of misplaced philanthropy for the U.S. and EU to be rewarding Jordan for continuing to restrict the activities of civil society groups," HRW Mideast Director Sarah Leah Whitson said in a press statement. "The U.S. and EU should withhold funds to the government until the unnecessary restrictions are lifted."
The rights watchdog urged Jordan to reform restrictive laws that it said sharply reduce the freedom of individuals and organizations to meet, organize and demonstrate in public. HRW said the measures violated Jordan's constitution and international rights conventions signed by the country.
Original Source