AMMAN, Feb. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulqihas said it is "premature" to talk about returning an ambassador to Israel, the Jordan Times reported on Friday.

    "Such a step would only be taken if it helps push the Middle East peace process back on track and helps the Palestinians achieve their rights," Mulqi was quoted as saying.

    Jordan and Egypt recalled ambassadors to Tel Aviv shortly after the eruption of the Palestinian intifada (uprising) in September 2000 in protest of Israel's excessive use of force against Palestinians.

    Mulqi made the remarks in response to statements by his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom, who said an upcoming Sharon-Abbas summit in Egypt would be "the cue for Egypt and Jordan to upgrade diplomatic ties by returning their ambassadors to Tel Aviv.

    "Jordan's King Abdullah II announced Wednesday he would attend the summit between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, hosted by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Enditem