Jordan condemns UN official's remarks that Palestinian refugees won't return

By The Associated Press (CP)

AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan has condemned remarks by a U.N. official saying Palestinian refugees must not be deluded about their right to return and that Arab countries must resettle them.

Wajih Azaizeh, who directs Jordan's Palestinian Affairs Department, on Thursday called remarks by Andrew Whitley, the N.Y. director of the U.N.'s agency for Palestinian refugees, "irresponsible."

Jordan maintains a delicate demographic balance between those of Palestinian origin and other Jordanians.

It has been the main recipient of Palestinian refugees from successive wars with Israel and says their fate must be decided in peace negotiations.

Copyright © 2010 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.