Jordanian leader says role in government against Islam

Abdel-Qader Tahawi has said UK cleric Abu Qatada will not be a threat to Jordan The Salafist leader of Jordan, Abdel-Qader Shehadeh Tahawi has considered his party\'s participation in the Jordanian government and House of Representatives, as some a sort of \'divine and religious duty\', but has ruled it out as not being in accordance with Islamic law. He also denied the establishment of a Shura council for the Salafist party.
He added that the supposed imminent return of the renowned Islamist preacher Abu Qatada, whom the British government intends to deport to Jordan, will not pose a threat for Jordanian national security. He also stated that the main issues that are causing threats against Jordanian security are the US, Israel, Iran and their followers in the region.
Tahawi, who spoke to Arabstoday\'s Osama al-Rantissi, pointed out his position and that of Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi on the issue of the return of Abu Qatada to Jordan. Speaking for both, he stated that they are not in favour of his return for reasons relating to the pre-conceiceved biased security of the Jordanian authorities.
He also called on  the state to release the 38 Salafist prisoners. Tahawi appealed to the government to allow Abu Qatada to return home to his family and not be sent directly to prison, noting that  promises have  already been made by the government to resolve the issue of the Salafist prisoners, which was meant to have been resolved by the end of last year.
As for Abu Qatada’s representation in the Salafist party of Jordan, Tahawi stated that Abu Qatada is a well known scholar and his presence anywhere would enrich it.
Tahawi also added that the contact he made with Abu Qatada was only to to check on him, as well as to advise him not to return as pre-prepared charges were awaiting him in Jordan.
He said that his party does not take any action that does not adhere with the law of God, and that the current political structure to grant a licence for a party is un Islamic . He backed this up by stating that granting licenses for any party implies recognition of  the current regime, which does not govern according to Islamic law.
Tahawi stressed the non-participation of his party in the government and the House of Representatives.He also denied the establishment of a Shura council, confirming that this will be unified under one umbrella.
Tahawi commented on the permission granted to his party to organise a sit-in on the 13th day of last month, saying that his party does not take permission from anyone. He also stated that his party was aiming to convey God’s religious message, and once again reiterated his appeal for the release of Salafist prisoners.