Zu’bi, Austrian justice minister discuss Amman-Vienna ties

AMMAN — Interior Minister Ghaleb Zu’bi and Austrian Minister of Justice Wolfgang Brandstetter on Thursday discussed the role of law and legislation in combating terrorism, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Zu’bi outlined Jordan’s efforts against terrorism and extremism, noting that the Interior Ministry has begun implementing an anti-terrorism strategy that includes a dialogue programme for prisoners convicted of terrorism who espoused radical Islamic political ideologies (Takfirism).

The interior minister also outlined the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on the Kingdom, as well as the political, economic and administrative reforms carried out by the government upon His Majesty King Abdullah’s directives.

The visiting Austrian minister also met with the Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC) President Mohammad Allaf, and a number of commission members.

Allaf briefed Brandstetter on JIACC’s efforts to ensure compliance with the principles of national integrity and anti-corruption.

He also reviewed the commission’s procedures and investigative mechanisms when dealing with administrative and financial cases, as well as ensuring confidentiality of incoming information and the protection of witnesses.

Also on Thursday, Brandstetter visited the Public Security Department (PSD) and met with its Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Sarhan. They discussed police and security cooperation between the two countries.

Sarhan highlighted the twinning project between Jordan and Austria’s security agencies, which aims to exchange expertise in the field of correctional and rehabilitation centres.