AMMAN — The government is examining the best method to allow Hamas members to reside with their families in Jordan, according to Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh.

In an interview with Time magazine, excerpts of which were published on Monday, Khasawneh said Hamas members will not be allowed to establish political headquarters for the movement in Jordan or to practise any political activity.

"We will be finding modalities to bring back members of Hamas and their families to come," Khasawneh told Time.

"We don’t want them to establish another organisation here."

"The idea is not to bring them back as a launching pad for jihad against Israel or whatever. But as individuals they should be allowed to come back," he added.

"I thought from the very beginning that their expulsion was unconstitutional and it was the wrong move from the point of view that it stands to reason that if you have many alternatives for as long as possible, it's the good sign of effective diplomacy."

The premier denounced any criticism directed at the government regarding its intention to allow members of Hamas and their families to return to the Kingdom as long as they will not establish their headquarters.

The interview also covered several local, regional and international issues.