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Jordan, Germany Said to Disagree on Status of German Troops

by Associated Press

   AMMAN, JORDAN --

   A Jordanian official said Sunday that Jordan is negotiating with
   Germany over the legal status of German troops to be stationed in the
   kingdom, amid reports that disagreements delayed deployment.

   The German magazine Der Spiegel reported that Germany seeks immunity in
   Jordan for 250 soldiers who are part of the U.S.-led campaign against
   Islamic State group extremists. The report says Jordan balked at the
   demand.
   The Jordanian official said talks with Germany are "subject to
   international diplomatic rules" and "equal mutual treatment." He
   demanded anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters on
   the issue.
   Germany's Defense Ministry played down the report saying the
   negotiation process is ongoing and that ``we are in fruitful talks with
   Jordan.''
   "We already started the deployment... and are expecting to be fully
   operational by October,'' said a spokesman for the German Defense
   Ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with department
   policy.
   Germany chose Jordan after previous host Turkey prevented German
   lawmakers from visiting the troops there.