Jordan in strong position, politically and militarily — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday said the Kingdom’s drive towards comprehensive reform stems from its national goals and priorities that all Jordanians agree to.

During a meeting with Al Tawafuq Al Watani (national concord) parliamentary bloc at Al Husseiniya Palace, the King pointed out that the goals so far achieved in the country’s reform process prove that despite the various regional challenges, reform, development and the democratic transformation process continued. 

“Our political and military position is very strong at this stage,” the King told the deputies, expressing his confidence in state institutions, the Jordan Armed Forces and the different security bodies, and in the Jordanians awareness and concern about safeguarding the stability of Jordan. 

King Abdullah noted that Jordan’s higher national priorities come first in dealing with regional challenges. At the same time, Jordan supports its Arab brothers in a manner that fulfils their interests and safeguards the region’s security and stability, the King said, stressing the Kingdom’s continued support for Arab and Islamic causes.

The Monarch said his directives to the government to activate the role of the Defence Ministry and expand the jurisdiction of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) are in conformity with national priorities related to reform. They also pave the way for a new stage of comprehensive reform, based on transparency, boosting public participation and shouldering national responsibility, the King told the deputies.   

He called for intensifying coordination and consultations among the three authorities to help cement stability. 

The current stage calls for continued development of the Lower House performance and activating parliamentary blocs on the basis of political parties and programmes so as to arrive at sustainable reform and at parliamentary governments in the future, he added. 

He asserted that the problems of poverty, unemployment and upgrading the economic conditions of citizens will continue to be at the top of the country’s priorities despite all regional challenges, noting that dealing with these issues is a joint responsibility that everyone has to shoulder. 

King Abdullah highlighted his directives for the government to draw up a blueprint, in partnership with Parliament, for the economy in the coming 10 years, to outline the vision for economic development and ensure equal opportunity. 

Regarding regional issues, the King stressed Jordan’s continued efforts to arrive at a lasting end for the Israeli aggression on Gaza as well as its continued humanitarian efforts and support for the people of Gaza.

Regarding the developments in Syria, he stressed the need to arrive at a comprehensive political solution for the ongoing crisis that ends the suffering of the Syrian people, highlighting the growing burden borne by Jordan as a result of hosting a large number of Syrian refugees. 

On Iraq, His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s support for all efforts being exerted to preserve the unity of the country through an inclusive political process where all components of the Iraqi people are engaged. 

For their part, participants in the meeting voiced support for the King’s initiative to activate the role of the Defence Ministry and expand the powers of the IEC as part of the country’s reform drive.

They also lauded Jordan’s “balanced” foreign policy vis-à-vis the various regional developments, which they said caters for the Kingdom’s national interests.

The bloc members raised the issue of obstacles facing the education and higher education sectors, calling for plans to improve the situation within a fixed timetable. 

They also addressed challenges to the country’s tourism, medical care and energy sectors.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour responded to the comments by the lawmakers, focusing on the rationale behind the suggested amendments to the Constitution, which will be discussed by the House on Tuesday.

On the education sector, the premier noted that a general conference is being prepared to discuss all relevant issues and come up with recommendations to improve the outcomes of the process.

Headed by MP Mirza Bolad, Al Tawafuq Al Watani consists of 16 deputies.