King renews support for panel reviewing Constitution

AMMAN (JT) – His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday reiterated his support for the Royal committee entrusted with reviewing the Constitution.

During a meeting with the panel’s chairman, Ahmad Lozi, and members of the committee, King Abdullah voiced keenness to entrenching democracy and reaching a stage where achievements are maximised and the values of freedom, belonging, citizenship, equality and justice are reinforced, a Royal Court statement said.

The King was briefed on progress in the committee’s work to come up with proposals that serve the reform and modernisation process Jordan is undergoing.

King Abdullah formed the 10-member panel in late April to review articles of the Constitution and propose amendments aimed “to establish a balance between authorities and improve political parties’ action and Lower House’s performance”.

At a press conference Saturday, Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit said the committee is expected to complete its mission in July. The amendments proposed, in addition to the outcome of the National Dialogue Committee, will serve as the foundation for changes in the two key political reform laws: the elections and political parties.

In an interview following the meeting, Lozi told Jordan TV that amendments to the Constitution are so important that they need in-depth study and careful and comprehensive review of all articles and changes made to them since 1952.

He underlined the committee’s commitment to the independence of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government and the enhancement of cooperation among them without infringing on the jurisdiction of the other.

“And this need more time for the committee to take right decision,” stressed Lozi, noting that the Monarch pays special attention to the panel’s work due to the fact that it deals with such an important document.

jordantimes