AMMAN, 22 March 2005 — Jordan yesterday tried to tone down a diplomatic crisis with Iraq that has led to the recall of the two countries’ top diplomats, saying Amman wanted good ties with its neighbor.

“The government is aware of the need to protect Jordan’s ties with Iraq and strengthen them, which will make it possible to clear the cloud in the blue skies that some people have created,” government spokeswoman Asma Khodr told reporters.

Jordan on Sunday recalled its charge d’affaires Dimai Haddad from Baghdad, saying it feared for his safety due to rising hostility and anti-Jordan demonstrations.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in towns and neighborhoods across Iraq to protest against the alleged involvement of a Jordanian suicide bomber in a Feb. 28 bombing in the city of Hilla, south of Baghdad, that killed at least 118 people and wounded scores of others.