House urges gov’t action over JAFCCO liquidation

AMMAN — The Lower House on Tuesday discussed government policies on issues related to the economy and combating corruption, with several MPs outlining demands for their constituencies, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the oversight session, attended by Prime Minister Hani Mulki, some 57 deputies took the podium, speaking about a wide array of issues. 

Regarding the liquidation of Jordan Abyad Fertilizers and Chemicals Company (JAFCCO), Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh said the House will not allow the encroachment on the rights of the company’s employees.

An Arab investor is going to liquidise its 63 per cent share in JAFCCO, according to Petra.

Tarawneh called on the government to intervene as soon as possible and find a solution that protects the rights of the employees, noting that the government ensures the company with JD45 million.

For his part Mulki said the government has been following up on the issue for five days and has tasked the ministers of labour and industry to study the situation and reach a suitable solution.

Mafraq MP Mifleh Khazaaleh urged ministers, senators and deputies who are board members of government-owned companies to resign in line with the Constitution.

Lawmaker Tarek Khoury (Zarqa, 1st District) called for studying the reasons for Royal Jordanian Air Force plane crashes, which cause loss of life and have come to frighten parents of pilots.

An air force pilot, Major Ayed Daajah, was killed on Monday when his F-16 aircraft crashed during a training mission, the army said, adding that the reason behind the crash was a malfunction.

MP Yihya Saud (Amman, 2nd District) called on the government to take firm measures against evasion of taxes and customs duties, while Jerash MP Wafaa Bani Mustafa asked about the number of work permits given to Syrian refugees.

Lower House First Deputy Speaker Khalil Atiyeh adjourned the session to a later date to continue discussions and listen to the government’s replies.