Jordan gives Palestinians Detailed Maps and Air Images of West Bank

Heading into the peace talks, Jordan has reportedly handed over detailed maps and aerial photos of the West Bank and east Jerusalem to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. According to unnamed Palestinian sources quoted in the Arab daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi, the maps originated in the Jordanian archives, which ruled the area between 1948 and 1967. The move was seen as an attempt by Jordan to aid the Palestinians in the direct negotiations with Israel set to open on Thursday in Washington. The Jordanian gesture came as King Abdullah faces growing criticism in his kingdom for participating in the peace talks. Detractors said they believe the upcoming peace talks could create a solution for the Palestinians at Jordan’s expense and would want to see a Palestinian state formed in as much territory as possible now held by Israel.