Jordan Rolls Out Red Carpet for Waldheim

AMMAN, Jordan — This Hashemite kingdom welcomed Austrian President Kurt Waldheim with full ceremonial honors Wednesday, with King Hussein praising his “humanism” and “integrity” as a former U.N. secretary general.

King Hussein, who in March became the first world leader to invite Waldheim for a state visit after his election to the largely ceremonial post of president in June, 1986, greeted Waldheim warmly as he stepped from his jet to a red carpet at the Amman military airport. His American-born wife, Queen Noor, kissed Waldheim’s wife in greeting.

The two leaders chatted briefly, clasping each other’s shoulders, as a military band played and a 21-gun salute was given. Soon after, in a special show of military honors, four Jordanian Mirage jets flew over as Waldheim and the king inspected members of the military.

Flags of Austria and Jordan and welcoming banners were draped throughout the capital. Small crowds and an occasional band lined the streets to greet Waldheim, who received none of the fierce protest that accompanied his audience last week with Pope John Paul II.

Nazi Hunter Arrives

The only apparent opposition came from Nazi hunter Beate Klarsfeld, who flew from Paris to Amman and on Wednesday went to the royal palace to drop off documents she says prove that Waldheim is guilty of World War II atrocities.

She said her request to meet personally with King Hussein was denied.

Waldheim, who last visited Jordan in 1979 as U.N. secretary general, said he will discuss efforts toward peace in the Middle East and other issues during the state visit.

Waldheim is viewed warmly in the Arab world for his efforts to end the Arab-Israeli conflict during his 1972-82 term at the United Nations.

At a state dinner Wednesday night, Hussein thanked Waldheim for his peace efforts in the region. He made no direct reference to the controversy surrounding Waldheim’s World War II activities. Waldheim has been accused of complicity in Nazi war crimes against Jews and Yugoslav partisans .

“In welcoming you, your excellency, we reaffirm the international community’s unshakeable trust in your humanism, sagacity and devotion to serving man’s urgent concerns for peace and development,” Hussein said.

“We in Jordan appreciate the support which your excellency and your friendly country have extended to our efforts in behalf of peace.”

Besides a formal state dinner at the royal palace, Waldheim was expected to hold two rounds of talks with the king. He is also accompanied by Foreign Minister Alois Mock and a 20-member diplomatic delegation.

Israel criticized Jordan for welcoming Waldheim but muted its rebuke in an apparent effort to avoid alienating King Hussein, with whom the Jewish state seeks peace talks.

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir rejected a bid by Industry Minister Ariel Sharon to issue a Cabinet statement condemning the visit, Israel’s state radio reported.