Jordan slams Israel’s ‘muezzin law’

CAIRO: Jordan has condemned an Israeli law restricting the use of loudspeakers to announce the Muslim call to prayer, saying it violates a peace deal between both countries. Jordanian spokesman Moham-med Momani said the 1994 peace treaty includes a “clear clause” obliging Israel to “respect” Jordan’s role in taking care of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, Jordan’s state news agency reported. “This legislation represents a breach of this legal obligation in the peace treaty,” the official added. “It also implies discrimination.” The Israeli parliament on Wednesday gave its initial approval of the bill. A muezzin gives the call to prayer five times a day. — dpa