Political reform to meet aspirations of Jordanian people – Monarch

AMMAN (JT) – His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday voiced confidence in the success of the political reform process in the Kingdom in its various facets and in a manner that meets the aspirations of all Jordanians, a Royal Court statement said.

During a meeting with Jordan Press Association President Tareq Momani, directors of official media outlets and chief editors of Jordanian dailies, the King said the outcome of the National Dialogue Committee’s deliberations on the new elections and political parties’ laws will be announced soon.

Also, the Royal committee entrusted with reviewing the Constitution will continue with its thorough work, he said, stressing his full support for the two committees to arrive at results that serve citizens and boost the country’s drive towards development, according to the statement.

The King also emphasised that he has sensed fear among citizens and officials and in the private sector during his recent meetings regarding the economic situation in the country, citing challenges, foremost of which is the unprecedented increase in the budget deficit.

King Abdullah said the global financial crisis greatly impacted the performance of the national economy and the economic and living conditions of citizens.

Attracting Arab and foreign investments to the Kingdom to provide job opportunities “is a priority for us at the present time”, he told the press.

There is a need to provide 60,000 jobs annually in the Kingdom, “and the private sector cannot provide more than 10,000”, he added.

The King underscored his support for combating corruption and terminating all its different forms, but cautioned that calls for prosecuting the corrupt without sufficient evidence may turn into a tool to distort the country’s image and lead to character assassination.

This will adversely impact the confidence of Arab and foreign investors in Jordan, “which we pin many hopes on to provide job opportunities for the sons and daughters of our people and to combat poverty and unemployment,” he added.

During the meeting, the Monarch also stressed his support for responsible press freedom and media organisations that base their work on the truth and place the interests of the country and the people above all other considerations.

He emphasised the media’s responsibility to cast aside and combat all non-professional practices, adding that such practices have had a negative effect on the investment climate in the Kingdom.

In addition, His Majesty highlighted his scheduled visits to London and Washington during which he will meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama, the statement said.

The latest developments in the region, means to achieve just and comprehensive Middle East peace that regains the legitimate rights of the Palestinians and means to boost bilateral relations, especially in the economic fields, will top the agenda of talks during the two visits.

Also yesterday, the King chaired a meeting with several government officials, which focused on economic challenges and means to encourage investments in the country, according to the statement.

Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit emphasised the role of the media in this regard, adding that the government will provide all facilities for businessmen and investors to achieve that goal.

The government will also work to protect citizens and state institutions from any non-professional practices and blackmail by some writers, under the pretext of freedom of expression, to serve certain agendas, he added.

jordantimes