Jordan reduces diplomatic staff in Syria

Jordan on Monday said it withdrew a number of its diplomats in Syria due to deteriorating violence in the neighboring country. Foreign minister Nasser Judeh said the embassy did not shot down but number of staff has been significantly reduced, the first such action by Jordan since anti-Assad uprising started 16 months ago. "We worry about safety and stability of Jordan first," said the minister in reference to concerns that Damascus could be not happy about the move. Official sources say the ambassador in Damascus no longer visits his office and operation of the embassy is at minimal level. Last year, a group of Assad supporters stormed the embassy compound and hoisted Syrian flag inside the embassy in protest against Amman remarks over developments in Syria. Relations between Amman and Damascus have been growing tense as cross border attack are becoming frequent events. Jordan has opened its doors to thousands of Syrian refugees and continues to have strong commercial ties with Damascus.