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December 10th, 2009, 01:38 AM
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#21 |
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Monarch accepts Dahabi’s resignation Following is the official translation of His Majesty King Abdullah’s letter accepting the resignation of Prime Minister Nader Dahabi, December 9, 2009:Your Excellency Prime Minister Nader Dahabi, Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you, It is with pleasure that I send you and your colleagues the ministers my warmest greetings and best wishes for success and happiness and to express to you all my deep thanks and appreciation for your sincere efforts and continuous work during your tenure. More than two years ago, I entrusted you with the responsibility of prime minister, and you and your ministerial team implemented what you were able to from the projects and plans, included in the designation letter, to strengthen our development process, a process that we are keen to continue, and to ensure the equal distribution of its benefits across all regions and social strata in order to raise the quality of services provided to citizens and improve their standard of living as part of our vision for a decent life that our dear people deserve. I am confident that you have worked with your best potential and with serious and dedicated efforts to serve your country with the spirit of altruism and sense of responsibility. May God reward you for what you have given your country. Now that you have tendered your resignation and that of your ministerial team in order to rest or move to other positions of work and dedication, I hereby accept your resignation and that of your ministerial team. I emphasise my deep thanks and appreciation for your dedication, and know that you will remain the source of my respect and appreciation. Abdullah II Ben Al Hussein
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December 15th, 2009, 03:10 AM
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#22 |
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New government sworn in The new 29-member government sworn in before His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday is the 72nd in the country's history and the seventh since the King ascended to the Throne.The new government is made up of 16 new ministers and 13 who served in the previous government; of these, Khalid Irani switched portfolios, becoming minister of energy and mineral resources instead of environment, and two of the four women stayed on. A new post was created, that of minister of state for mega-projects. The Monarch on Wednesday named Samir Rifai as the new prime minister, succeeding Nader Dahabi. In his Letter of Designation, the King instructed Rifai to form a Cabinet that will build on Jordan's achievements and address shortcomings through an institutional programme based on a clear agenda with performance indicators "that ensure the translation of our vision of reform into reality". Emphasising his commitment to continuing the process of reform and modernisation, the King said the formation of the new Cabinet must be inspired by a seamless work plan that identifies specific objectives in every sector and defines timelines for the implementation and achievement of these objectives. "Ministers should be chosen according to the criteria of competence, efficiency and commitment to the priorities of the next phase, the conditions confronting this phase and the practical plans for implementation," said the Monarch in the letter. In his letter to the King yesterday, Rifai conveyed his commitment to adhere to the King's directives, stressing that the new government will perform in a transparent manner. The premier pledged to have a Cabinet that works as one harmonious team, with clear vision and plans, within a time frame and transparently, to live up to the confidence placed in it by His Majesty. He also said that decisions will be taken based on a scientific methodology within the confines of the Constitution and the laws of the land. Rifai said appeasement and hesitation will be alien to the new government's dictionary, adding that decisions will be made by taking into account the interests of the country and the future of its people. He also said that "all that leads to a waste of time, effort and energy is an affront to the country's interests." The new Cabinet members were selected based on merit and efficiency, and on their acceptance to comply with the priorities, plans and work methodology, Rifai said, adding that every new minister knows what is expected of him/her and is aware of the criteria that will be used to evaluate his/her service to the public. "As per the directives of Your Majesty, each minister will present his work plan and programmes for implementation within 40 days… the Council of Ministers will discuss and adopt these plans in a comprehensive work programme in order to be submitted to Your Majesty…," the premier said, adding that their agendas will be used to assess government performance and achievements. King Abdullah instructed the prime minister to issue a code of conduct based on the Constitution and the laws that makes clear the moral and legal criteria the ministers must be committed to throughout their public service. "This document will be a public document and an additional reference for Jordanians in judging the performance of the ministerial team," the King said. Rifai acknowledged that the code of conduct will be based on existing legislation and will guide all ethical and legal issues the ministers will deal with. "I will instruct all ministers to sign this document, which will become an additional point of reference for Jordanians to judge the performance of the government," the prime minister said. King Abdullah, who dissolved the Lower House in late November and asked the government to amend the country's controversial Elections Law in order to hold elections “not later than the last quarter of 2010”, said parliamentary elections "constitute a major step in developing our democratic performance and strengthening public participation in the political development process". "The government will implement Your Majesty’s directives to take all measures to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be a model of integrity, transparency and impartiality and will ensure that the amendments to be made to the current Elections Law will meet Your Majesty's vision of an active Parliament capable of performing its constitutional obligations decisively and responsibly," the premier said. Rifai also promised that the measures taken will ensure that elections mark a quantum leap in the process of modernisation and development, will enable Jordanians to vote and run for election freely and fairly, and that the executive and legislative authorities will perform their duties through genuine partnership that serves the national interests. Rifai said the government will refer its respective recommendations with regard to the decentralisation plan, which will ensure qualitative developments in the decision-making process. He also said the government's relationship with the media will be based on an open-channel policy and respect for their role and their right to be independent and free, adding that his Cabinet will work towards "ending malpractice and extortion committed in pursuit of popularity". "The government will issue a code of conduct to regulate the relation between the media and various public institutions, which will also decide the criteria for posting advertisements in and subscribing to media outlets… in order to encourage an independent and professional media and curtail relations based on personal interests, which hurts the community and media credibility," he said. Earlier in the day, His Majesty received the outgoing government, thanking former premier Dahabi and his Cabinet for their performance and achievements and commending them for having worked seriously in service of the country.
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December 15th, 2009, 03:12 AM
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#23 |
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Following are the members of Prime Minister Samir Rifai’s Cabinet, sworn-in before His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday:
• Samir Rifai: Prime Minister and Minister of Defence • Rajai Muasher: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State • Nayef Qadi: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior • Abdul Salam Abbadi: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs • Tawfiq Kreishan: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs • Nasser Judeh: Minister of Foreign Affairs • Walid Maani: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research • Mohammad Abu Hammour: Minister of Finance • Nabil Sharif: Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications • Khalid Irani: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources • Maha Khatib: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities • Hala Lattouf: Minister of Social Development • Amer Hadidi: Minister of Industry and Trade • Alaa Batayneh: Minister of Transport • Ayman Odeh: Minister of Justice • Nayef Fayez: Minister of Health • Musa Maaytah: Minister of Political Development • Saeed Masri: Minister of Agriculture • Nabih Shuqum: Minister of Culture • Imad Fakhoury: Minister of Public Sector Development and Minister of State for Mega-Projects • Ali Ghezawi: Minister of Municipal Affairs • Jaafar Hassan: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation • Jamal Shamayleh: Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs • Ibrahim Badran: Minister of Education • Ibrahim Omoush: Minister of Labour • Mohammad Najjar: Minister of Water and Irrigation • Mohammad Obeidat: Minister of Public Works and Housing • Marwan Juma: Minister of Information and Communications Technology • Hazem Malhas: Minister of Environment
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December 15th, 2009, 02:39 PM
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December 16th, 2009, 02:09 AM
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'Tough challenges ahead for new government' Editorialists on Tuesday highlighted the challenges facing the new government, with many agreeing that economic and political reform should be its top priorities. Columnists writing in several daily newspapers said the government will have to take decisive action to encourage investments in addition to ensuring that the forthcoming parliamentary elections are held in a transparent manner. In its reading of newly appointed Prime Minister Samir Rifai's reply to His Majesty King Abdullah's Letter of Designation, Al Rai said the premier showed deep understanding that the task of government will not be easy, but if words are coupled with deeds, the government will be able to accomplish the tasks it is entrusted with. "The government has the chance to place itself in the political history of the Kingdom, particularly as it has the full and absolute support of the King, and create a political environment that perpetuates the culture of democracy, and ensures the highest degree of popular participation in decision making and developing the institutional structure," the daily said in its editorial. Al Rai stressed that the tasks entrusted to the new government are many and diverse, both in promoting comprehensive and sustainable development and in ensuring the upcoming parliamentary elections are fair and transparent. Rifai succeeded in forming his government after five days of intensive and in-depth consultations carried out with unprecedented secrecy, Al Arab Al Yawm's Fahed Kheitan noted, adding that the new government comes at a time when the country is in desperate need of a capable team to control the deficit, expenditures and abuse of public funds. "Based on the new economic team in the government, it is expected that the government can conduct the necessary review of the economic situation and present a plan to meet the challenges of the new year. In this sense, the economic team will be facing a difficult test in the coming weeks," he added. Kheitan was less optimistic about political reform, however, citing the fact that Minister of Political Development Musa Maaytah, an advocate of "progressive changes", might not be able to penetrate the "conservatives' castle" in the government, which will have the support of the premier. The prime minister attempted a new approach in the selection of new Cabinet members based on standards of competence and experience, the columnist added, but resorted to the old method of regional distribution balances after his innovative strategy clashed with traditional mechanisms. "Rifai had to snap up the selection process to complete the list in any way, obviously seen in the entry of new ministers, the carrying over of ministers and the meaningless, unexpected changes in the portfolios, an indication that he could not come up with a government in accordance with specific mechanisms, as promised," he said. Agreeing with Kheitan, columnist Khalid Zbeidi of Ad Dustour said the new Cabinet reflects a substantial change in the economic team, but might not meet some people's expectations as more than half the former ministers kept their posts. "The redrawing of the economic team might pave the way to meet the financial and economic challenges and keep pace with the Kingdom's needs for genuine development decisions," Zbeidi said, citing the need to attract investment through monetary policy, encourage local banks to reduce interest rates, and protect ongoing projects from the effects of the global financial crisis, as challenges. Al Ghad’s Mohammad Abu Rumman asserted that the ministers of interior and political development, who kept their posts in the new government, will be the central figures in the upcoming political reforms, which also include the implementation of the decentralisation plan. "The new government can be described as a ‘reform-conservative’ government. This image reflects the general public's mood, which tends towards retaining the essence of the current Elections Law (one-person, one-vote system), with an attempt at limited improvement in the composition of the forthcoming Lower House," Abu Rumman said. He added that the government has clear goals and is not expected to take any steps that may jeopardise its reputation, and therefore will be keen to carry out the forthcoming elections with fairness and integrity to avoid any allegations of manipulation in the vote. "This will be supported by the existence of a political will at the highest level towards highly reputable elections in order to provide better outcomes, even if that has to mean the return of stronger representation for the Islamic Action Front in the Chamber of Deputies," said Abu Rumman, an expert in the affairs of Islamic groups. The irony, he said, is in the composition of the economic team, which demonstrated a clear will by the government to get out of the "[neo-liberal] line, which severely damaged the middle class and the public sector's efficiency and created a broad social crisis, into a moderate [liberal-social line] that believes in a free market policy, open economy and privatisation, but at the same time maintaining a balance with social and political considerations". Criticising the secrecy during the formation of the government, Abu Rumman's colleague at Al Ghad, Ibrahim Gharaibeh, said this was harmful to the citizens, who are key partners with the government, adding that governments see themselves as guardians of society, but are not performing their role in protecting the public interest, instead leaving citizens to deal with companies and businessmen. "If we get education, health, electricity, telecommunications and the Internet, housing, transport and other services from companies on the basis of profit, then who gives the government the right to act as our guardian, and take decisions on our behalf?" Gharaibeh asked.
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January 17th, 2010, 01:22 PM
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Jordan stresses Palestinians’ right to East Jerusalem Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh on Saturday reiterated that East Jerusalem remains part of the occupied Palestinian territories.He also renewed Jordan’s rejection of Israeli practices that threaten the Arab Islamic identity of the Holy City and holy places there. “We reject all unilateral Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, such as the demolition of homes, the expulsion of Palestinian citizens and the continued settlement activity, which must stop immediately as it threatens the peace efforts,” Judeh said at a joint press conference Saturday with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who arrived in the Kingdom yesterday on a one-day visit. Judeh said what is needed is to establish a viable Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders, within the framework of a comprehensive regional solution in accordance with international resolutions. He said his talks with his Norwegian counterpart focused on bilateral relations and the peace process, adding that the government appreciates the support and efforts of Norway in making peace in the Middle East. “In Jordan, we appreciate the involvement and support of Norway in making peace in the region, which extends back many years. Norway has a long history of supporting the peace process in the region, the Palestinian people and UNRWA,” the minister added. Judeh said he discussed with the Norwegian top diplomat the efforts being exerted to launch serious negotiations on the basis of a two-state solution, international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, to ensure the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Støre said that his visit to Jordan comes as part of a regional tour that includes Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian territories, where he will discuss with officials efforts to resume negotiations, adding that he briefed Judeh on the results of his recent talks with US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell in Brussels. “The coming few months will be crucial and important for the resumption of negotiations with regard to a peaceful path. Norway hopes to see an end to the Israeli occupation this year and the establishment of a Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil,” the official said.
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January 29th, 2010, 02:35 AM
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#27 |
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King meets world leaders at Davos forum His Majesty King Abdullah held talks on Thursday with several leaders who attended the 40th anniversary of the World Economic Forum, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported from Davos, Switzerland. During a meeting with Swiss Confederation President Doris Leuthard, the two leaders addressed means to boost Jordanian-Swiss relations in all areas, particularly in economic fields. Talks also addressed the current conditions in the Middle East region. King Abdullah discussed with Leuthard ways to benefit from the Swiss experience in developing the decentralisation programme the Kingdom intends to launch to increase public participation in the decision-making process and achieve development in the various governorates. Addressing the latest regional developments, King Abdullah stressed the importance of the European role in supporting ongoing efforts towards the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations to resolve the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution and within a comprehensive regional context. Also on Thursday, the King held talks with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, during which the two leaders addressed the need to take practical and institutional steps to increase cooperation, especially in the areas of economy, industry, investment and trade. They stressed the importance of encouraging joint investments between the two countries' private sectors, especially in the sectors of defence and pharmaceutical industries, services, health, education, IT and construction engineering services. The Monarch and the Azerbaijani president also discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, especially efforts to push for the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. The King also met with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and discussed means to enhance economic and investment cooperation in implementing joint renewable energy and infrastructure projects. During the King’s visit to South Korea at the end of 2008, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as well as a memorandum of understanding on economic and development collaboration. The King also held talks with Slovenian President Danilo Turk, during which the two sides addressed ways to foster economic and commercial ties as well as investment cooperation. They also reviewed regional developments and means to achieve Middle East peace. On the sidelines of the forum, the King met with Israeli President Shimon Peres. During the meeting, discussions focused on the need to overcome hindrances impeding the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. The King stressed that the entire region and its people will not have peace and security unless the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is resolved on the basis of the two-state solution.
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January 29th, 2010, 01:37 PM
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#28 |
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 i think its great that king is strenthening the foreign relations with other countries !!!  plus, congrats for your new government.....wish u the best of luck 
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يــــــا بــــــيــــــت صــــــامـــــــد بـــالجـــــــــنــــــــوب
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January 29th, 2010, 01:47 PM
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#29 |
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Iraqi electoral body opens office in Jordan 29 January 2010 The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on Thursday opened a representation office in the Kingdom, which will be tasked with overseeing the voting process for the country's Iraqi residents, an official said on Thursday. "Officials representing the governments of the two countries held discussions over the past few days on the mechanisms of conducting the elections in Jordan on March 7 for Iraqi residents. The talks resulted in Jordan's approval to open eight polling stations in Amman, Zarqa and Irbid," Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications and Government Spokesperson Nabil Sharif told The Jordan Times Thursday. Jordan will take all necessary measures to help Iraqi residents in the Kingdom cast their votes in the forthcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, slated inside Iraq for March 9, Sharif stressed. "The government, based on His Majesty King Abdullah's directives, will ensure that the voting process is carried out in a very peaceful and comfortable manner. Our role will only be as a facilitator; we will not take part in the organisation of the voting system," the minister said. "Jordan is the first Arab country to give Iraqi citizens the chance to cast their votes. This is the second time that we have allowed Iraqis living in the Kingdom to exercise their constitutional right to vote, as the first time was during the 2005 elections," he added, pointing out that the government has no worries about this event and will provide all the needed security. Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Saad Hayyani told The Jordan Times Thursday that all Iraqis aged 18 years and above are eligible to participate in the upcoming Iraqi elections. "All they need to bring is their passports and other Iraqi IDs in order to exercise their right to vote. There are no ready voters' lists," Hayyani said, adding that the Iraqi government highly appreciates King Abdullah's directives to the government to facilitate the voting process for Iraqis living in the Kingdom. He said that the IHEC will announce in the Jordanian media the steps Iraqis need to take in order to vote and the documents they need to provide, adding that a second meeting will be held between officials from the two countries to follow up on the issue and identify the number and location of the polling stations, which will be close to neighbourhoods in the three major cities with the largest Iraqi population. "Based on the official figure of Iraqis in Jordan announced by the Jordanian government in 2007, which stood at around 450,000, we expect the number of eligible voters to range between 100,000-150,000," the Iraqi envoy said. Meanwhile, acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Nayef Qadi received the Iraqi government spokesperson, Ali Dabbagh, who arrived in Amman on Tuesday carrying a letter to Prime Minister Samir Rifai from his Iraqi counterpart Nouri Maliki. During the meeting, which was also attended by Sharif and Hayyani, Qadi said a strong, stable and secure Iraq is in the best interest of Jordan, the region and the whole world, stressing that the Kingdom will continue to "carry out its duties in supporting Iraq". The IHEC was established in 2004 as the Independent Election Commission of Iraq and in 2007, it was renamed. Its work is overseen by the parliament.
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يــــــا بــــــيــــــت صــــــامـــــــد بـــالجـــــــــنــــــــوب
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January 29th, 2010, 01:48 PM
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#30 |
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'Authorities not notified of Jordanian arrested in Malaysia' 29 January 2010 Jordanian authorities have not received any official notification from Malaysia about the arrest of a Jordanian national among a group of terror suspects rounded up in the Southeast Asian country, a top Jordanian official said Thursday. The Associated Press (AP) reported from Kuala Lumpur on Thursday that 10 terror suspects arrested in Malaysia allegedly have ties to a Nigerian suspected in the attempted Christmas Day bombing of a US airliner. Malaysia's home minister announced the arrests Wednesday, saying they were mainly foreigners linked to an international terrorist network. They include four men from Syria, two from Nigeria and one each from Yemen and Jordan, said Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, head of a rights group that assists people held under Malaysia's Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, according to the news agency. "We were not officially notified of the arrest of a Jordanian among the group and Jordanian authorities will follow up on the issue tomorrow [Friday] to check on the situation," Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications and Government Spokesperson Nabil Sharif told The Jordan Times over the phone Thursday. However, AP cited an unnamed Jordanian official as confirming to the agency that Malaysian authorities had informed Jordan of the arrest of one of its citizens. Jordanian security authorities were trying to verify the man's nationality and checking whether he has links to terror organisations, the official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to release information on a preliminary intelligence investigation, according to AP. The suspects were among 50 people arrested by police on January 21 while attending a weekly Islamic class with a Syrian university lecturer at a home near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, Syed Ibrahim said. The others were later released, AP reported.
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يــــــا بــــــيــــــت صــــــامـــــــد بـــالجـــــــــنــــــــوب
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February 9th, 2010, 01:08 AM
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#31 |
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King warns of fading opportunity for peace, urges immediate talks His Majesty King Abdullah has warned that chances of peace will fade if serious negotiations do not start immediately to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict according to the two-state solution. He added that a “continuation of the status quo and a failure to establish an independent and viable Palestinian state will send the Middle East into many decades of instability”. His Majesty made the remarks during a conversation session moderated by Newsweek Editor Fareed Zakaria at the World Economic Forum in Davos late last month. “Actually this is probably the first time where I am somewhat pessimistic. As we all know, the core issue in the region is the Israeli-Palestinian issue. And as you said, it has been going on for many decades: so much suffering, so much frustration, and it can only get worse if we don’t solve the problem,” the Monarch stated, adding that the entire international community will be paying the price for not solving the Palestinian issue. The King stressed that Jordan will not have any role in the West Bank, indicating that the only credible, viable way of solving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the two-state solution that enables the Israelis and Palestinians to live together. His Majesty stressed that the injustice towards the Palestinian people allows other state and non-state actors to assume the role of the defenders of the Palestinians. During the session, King Abdullah underlined the need for a peaceful solution to solve the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying that Jordan refuses any military solution against Iran because it is an important and significant country in the region. Emphasising that every country has a right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy, the King stressed the need for transparency in nuclear programmes throughout the region, including Israel. “The argument that I sometimes hear in circles is the Iranians are pursuing a military programme and therefore this is a threat to Israel. But if we solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem, why would Iranians want to spend so much money on a military programme?” Regarding terror and extremism, the Monarch said that Muslims stand for tolerance, acceptance and humanity, and that those who pretend to be Muslims but desecrate the name of Islam through terrorist acts are trying to hijack the religion. He expressed pride in the Jordan Armed Forces and security services for being able to combat terror groups, who, he stressed, have nothing to do with Islam. “Our role is to protect our citizens, to protect our country, but equally important is to protect our faith,” he said, adding: “If we felt that people are going to target Jordan, we would target them. And my message is clear: As long as you continue to try and hurt the citizens of my country we have the right to protect ourselves.” The King underlined Jordan’s efforts to reflect the real image of Islam including the Amman Message, which he called an effort at outreach among faiths, in addition to the Common Word, a Jordanian-inspired initiative to bring Muslim and Christian communities together. King Abdullah stressed that Jordan is determined to move forward in its reform and development process, pointing to the decentralisation plan, which he said will allow Jordanians to move democracy in the right direction and lead to political reforms. “It is a partnership between me and the people of being able to move society so that they are capable of moving democracy forward and I know that Jordanians have it in them and have the capability, and I hope that as we start with decentralisation that is going to move Jordan strongly forward,” the King added.
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February 10th, 2010, 02:29 AM
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King, Merkel discuss Mideast His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel the latest developments in the Middle East region, a Royal Court statement said. During a telephone conversation, the two leaders discussed efforts to overcome obstacles facing the peace process and to relaunch serious and effective negotiations that can end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution and within a comprehensive regional context. King Abdullah underlined the important role that Germany plays as part of the European Union and a key international player in working with all parties to end the state of tension and violence and support peace efforts. Moreover, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations, underlining their commitment to develop them in all spheres.
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February 11th, 2010, 02:23 AM
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King urges more coordination in letter to Syria’s Assad His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday sent a letter to Syrian President Bashar Assad on bilateral relations and means to boost coordination. In the letter, delivered by Prime Minister Samir Rifai, the King stressed the Kingdom’s keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in economic and development fields, stressing the importance of continuing coordination with Syria on various Arab and regional issues, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. While in Syria, Rifai met with his Syrian counterpart Mohammad Naji Otri to discuss means to bolster ties between the two countries in political, economic, commercial and investment fields, emphasising the importance of removing all obstacles to cooperation. Rifai said that calls for more cooperation between the two countries, expressed by both King Abdullah and Assad, require both governments to translate these directives into workable programmes that serve the people of Jordan and Syria. The premiers looked into facilities provided to the people of the two neighbouring countries, stressing the important role of the private sector in increasing trade flow and exploring more cooperation opportunities. Discussions also covered issues of mutual concern and the latest developments in the region. Rifai underlined the importance of Arab solidarity to address the challenges that face Arab countries, saying that the priority in the coming period should focus on achieving a unified and active Arab stance.
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February 16th, 2010, 12:52 AM
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#34 |
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King highlights urgency of peace efforts His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday discussed bilateral ties with a senior US official, particularly in the economic field, a Royal Court statement said. At a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Jacob Lew, His Majesty voiced appreciation for the economic assistance Washington extends to Jordan. Lew said yesterday during a meeting with Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jaafar Hassan that the US is committed to continue providing the Kingdom with economic support despite the economic challenges the US government is facing this year. He said that the US will mwaintain its economic support to Jordan as stipulated in the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in 2008. US assistance to Jordan stood at $660 million in 2009, $360 million of which was extended for economic aid while the rest was in the form of military assistance. Also yesterday, the Monarch met with a delegation from the American organisation J Street, to whom he stressed that peace efforts are going through a “critical phase” that requires intensive international coordination to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict according to the two-state solution. The King stressed that the two-state formula that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security is the only way to bring about comprehensive peace in the region. He warned that reluctance in launching immediate and serious peace negotiations based on the two-state solution, according to international resolutions including the Arab Peace Initiative and with a specific time frame, will jeopardise the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state, adding that it will bring further tension and violence to the region. During the meeting with the delegation, which included a number of US Congress members who are on a regional tour, the Monarch highlighted the important role of the US in efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, pointing out US President Barack Obama’s commitment to the peace process. According to its website, J Street represents Americans, primarily but not exclusively Jewish, who support Israel and its desire for security, as well as the right of the Palestinians to a sovereign state of their own. J Street professes the belief that the security and future of Israel depend on rapidly achieving a two-state solution and regional comprehensive peace. The delegation also met with Prime Minister Samir Rifai, who stressed the importance of relaunching peace talks immediately and briefed them on the government’s efforts to carry out political, economic and social reforms in the Kingdom. Also Monday, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh reiterated Jordan’s stance in support of efforts to relaunch serious and effective peace talks on the basis of the two-state solution and within a regional context. At a separate meeting with Lew, Judeh added that talks should also address final status issues and realise tangible progress towards an internationally accepted solution. He cited King Abdullah’s warning that the chances for peace will fade, leaving the region on the verge of decades-long conflicts, if serious negotiations do not start immediately to put an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Judeh stressed that Israel’s unilateral measures in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in East Jerusalem, are illegal, obstruct peace efforts and should be halted immediately. For his part, Lew underlined his country’s commitment to bring about peace and stability in the Middle East based on the two-state solution and the agreed-upon terms of reference, commending King Abdullah’s continued efforts to achieve peace. Discussions also covered the latest developments in the region and the strategic relationship between the Kingdom and the US, as well as the need to boost cooperation at all levels to serve the interests of the two countries.
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March 16th, 2010, 09:14 AM
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#35 |
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Kingdom condemns Israeli provocations around Al Aqsa Jordan on Monday condemned the restoration of the Hurva synagogue near Al Aqsa Mosque and recent Israeli incursions into the mosque, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications and Government Spokesperson Nabil Sharif underlined that Jerusalem is a "red line" for Jordan, reiterating the Kingdom's rejection of Israeli measures to alter the identity of Jerusalem, particularly its holy sites. Sharif stressed that these measures violate international law, under which all territories Israel seized in 1967 are considered occupied lands. He added that the Israeli measures, such as settlement activities, do not serve efforts to launch the peace process. He highlighted that the Old City of Jerusalem was included in the list of World Heritage Sites upon a Jordanian request in 1981, stressing that any changes in this area in particular are considered a violation of international law. Also Monday, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh reiterated Jordan’s rejection of all unilateral Israeli measures in the Palestinian territories that jeopardise efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, Petra reported. During a meeting with visiting Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou, Judeh condemned the recent Israeli decision to build more settlements in occupied East Jerusalem as well as all its measures to change the identity of the city and threaten its holy places, calling for an immediate end to such provocative measures. Israeli police on Monday maintained restrictions on access to Al Aqsa Mosque compound - Islam’s third holiest site - for the fourth day running amid tensions in Jerusalem, Agence France-Presse reported. Authorities fear renewed clashes could follow the formal reopening of a landmark synagogue in Jerusalem’s walled Old City, in mainly Arab East Jerusalem. “Considering the risk of trouble, we maintain the state of alert and restrictions on access to the Temple Mount,” said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. Since Friday, men under the age of 50 are barred from entering the compound, as are non-Muslims. The compound housing Al Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock is Islam’s third holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Jews call the site the Temple Mount and consider it to be Judaism’s holiest site. Police clashed with protesters at the compound on March 5 and again last Friday. Tensions have spiralled following Israel’s announcement that it will build 1,600 new homes for Jewish settlers in mostly Arab East Jerusalem, which Palestinians consider to be the capital of their future state. Palestinians decided to hold a two-hour strike in Jerusalem on Monday. The decision to rebuild the 1694 synagogue further fuelled tensions. The synagogue was first destroyed by Ottoman authorities 21 years after it was built. The site lay empty for many years, during which it acquired the name “Hurva”, Hebrew for ruin. It was rebuilt in 1864, then blown to pieces in 1948 as troops of the newly established state of Israel battled Jordanian soldiers for control of the city. Israel has also extended a lockdown on the occupied West Bank that started on Friday. In Amman, on Monday, the Islamist movement called for widespread demonstrations to protest Israel’s “hostile and provocative” measures against Al Aqsa. At a press conference yesterday, overall leader of the Muslim Brotherhood Hamam Saeed called for millions of Muslims across the world to rally behind the holy site in a “day of anger”. “When Israel began its aggressive policy to gain control over Muslim holy sites across Palestine, there was no action from the Arab and Muslim worlds. Now it is a different game, this is Al Aqsa Mosque, we cannot be silent about it,” said Saeed. He called for an urgent meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to discuss and respond to Israel’s actions. “If the conference does not hold its meetings within the coming few days, then we do not see any need for its existence,” said Saeed, noting that the Islamist movement plans to hold a rally at the headquarters of the professional associations today. He also vilified the Palestinian National Authority for its lack of response to measures by the Israeli government. “It is a shame that the Palestinian Authority calls for a two-hour strike across the Palestinian territories. Al Aqsa Mosque deserves more,” he added.
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March 17th, 2010, 01:38 AM
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#36 |
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Brazil’s Lula to arrive in Kingdom today Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will start a two-day visit to Jordan today for talks with high-ranking officials on means to push the Mideast peace process forward and increase trade volume between the two countries, a top Brazilian diplomat said Tuesday. A business forum bringing together some 60 Brazilian businesspeople and over 400 Jordanian counterparts will take place during the visit to explore joint ventures and opportunities for cooperation, Brazilian Ambassador in Amman Fernando Jose Marroni de Abreu told The Jordan Times over the phone on Tuesday. The ambassador noted that an agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passports will also be signed during the official visit of the Brazilian head of state, popularly known as Lula. Lula’s tour, which also includes Israel and the Palestinian territories, is the first to the region by a Brazilian president, according to the diplomat. “The president is in the area to hear from all parties involved in the peace process and to see how Brazil can contribute to pushing peace talks in the Middle East forward,” the ambassador said. “We are not an involved party, but together with other Arab countries we would like to make progress in the peace process. Brazil is an example of good coexistence as we have some 10 million nationals who are Arab descendants and some 150,000 Jews who live together with no problems in an integrated atmosphere,” said the top diplomat. He added that Jordanian and Brazilian businesspeople will explore opportunities for cooperation during the business forum on Thursday, saying there is potential for establishing joint ventures in pharmaceuticals and fertilisers, especially as Brazil is a large importer of fertilisers. The ambassador also stressed that there is great potential for increasing the volume of tourism between the two countries. According to the Brazilian diplomat, trade volume between Jordan and Brazil stood at $189.5 million in 2009, compared with $318 million in 2008, a decrease attributed to the global economic and financial crisis. Jordan’s imports from the Latin American country include poultry, beef and sugar, while the Kingdom’s exports to Brazil include military equipment and aluminium.
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March 18th, 2010, 01:21 AM
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#37 |
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King, Brazil’s Lula discuss means to boost bilateral ties His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that focused on mechanisms to develop economic relations between the two countries. The talks, attended by Prime Minister Samir Rifai and several other senior Jordanian and Brazilian officials, followed a one-on-one meeting between King Abdullah and the Brazilian president, who arrived on a two-day working visit to the Kingdom yesterday. During the talks, King Abdullah voiced satisfaction over the level of bilateral ties, according to a Royal Court statement. In October 2008, King Abdullah paid a visit to Brazil during which the two countries signed 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding that covered cooperation in the fields of economy, tourism, education, culture, and science and technology. In yesterday’s meeting, King Abdullah discussed with the Brazilian president, commonly referred to as Lula, means to enhance cooperation in the fields of alternative energy, industry, water and agriculture. Lula, the first Brazilian president to visit Jordan, expressed his country’s interest in taking practical steps to develop sustainable economic cooperation with the Kingdom, establish joint projects and build economic partnership, the statement said. Noting that Jordan values the growing political and economic role of Brazil, King Abdullah stressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for Brazilian policies to activate Jordanian-Brazilian cooperation and achieve just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Addressing regional issues, the two leaders discussed means to overcome obstacles impeding progress towards resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution. The two leaders also underlined the importance of the Jordanian-Brazilian Economic Forum, which will be held today with the participation of 50 Brazilian and 500 Jordanian businessmen. The forum will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss the possibility of establishing joint investment projects, the statement indicated. King Abdullah and the Brazilian president agreed to work intensively to wrap up talks towards the signing of a free trade agreement between Jordan and the Mercosur trade bloc, which comprises several Latin American countries, including Brazil. Established in 1991, the Southern Common Market seeks to encourage free trade with other world countries. Industry and Trade Minister Amer Hadidi on Wednesday underlined the importance of joint business forum that will convene today, saying it is in line with the Kingdom’s efforts to implement mega-projects in the fields of energy and water, which require funds and partnerships with foreign investors. Also yesterday, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh signed an agreement with his Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim to cancel the visa requirements for diplomatic and private passport holders from both countries or those who are travelling on a foreign ministry mission. The agreement seeks to enhance Jordanian-Brazilian diplomatic ties. Later Wednesday, King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the Brazilian president, his wife, Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva and the accompanying delegation. Several members of the Royal family, and senior officials and officers attended the banquet.
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May 1st, 2010, 12:13 PM
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#38 |
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Israel playing with fire - King His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said Israel is "playing with fire" in Jerusalem, emphasising that Jordan retains all political, diplomatic and legal options to protect Jerusalem and its Muslim and Christian holy sites. Addressing Jordanian ambassadors and envoys at the Fifth Jordanian Ambassadors Forum on the shores of the Dead Sea, King Abdullah underlined the key role they play in boosting Jordan's economy and development, representing the Kingdom effectively and serving Jordanian, Arab and Muslim interests and causes, especially the Palestinian issue. Reaffirming that the Palestinian quest for statehood is a top priority for Jordan, King Abdullah said: "We want peace and strive for it, because all the people of the region are entitled to a just peace. Israel must respond to this Arab position, for peace alone, and not armies or walls, will guarantee real security for all people and all countries." Jordan will continue to do whatever it can to achieve justice for the Palestinians, end the occupation and help them achieve their rights to freedom and a state on their national soil, the Monarch said. “Unfortunately, the peace process is in crisis, but it is our duty towards the peoples of the region to continue to pursue a just peace that restores Palestinian and Arab rights on the basis of the two-state solution and within a regional and comprehensive context,” His Majesty added. He renewed his warning that the alternative to peace is more conflict and suffering, stressing that the status quo is unacceptable. “If we do not achieve the required progress in negotiations, I fear that current tensions will escalate. Everyone will pay a price for this,” the King said. His Majesty said Israel must choose between living in a fortress or reaching peace with all Arab and Muslim states on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative, by withdrawing from occupied Arab lands and establishing an independent Palestinian state that lives in peace alongside Israel “within a comprehensive peace that ensures real security and acceptance for Israel”. He noted that building peace requires a positive environment to launch negotiations, which means a halt to unilateral Israeli measures in the occupied territories, especially settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. “These are illegal activities that we oppose and categorically condemn. They are also obstacles to all our efforts to achieve peace,” the King said. Noting that Jordan has been able to build a wide network of good relations with most countries of the world, King Abdullah called on the envoys at the forum to translate those ties into real opportunities “that serve our development and win international support for our concerns and causes”. Acknowledging that the Kingdom’s current economic conditions are “tough”, the King stressed that there are tremendous opportunities that “we must exploit”. The government is currently working within a clear methodology and well-studied work plans in order to reach specific objectives, the Monarch said, adding that he is “optimistic that with this serious effort, we will overcome the challenges and advance in our reform and development process in all political, economic, administrative and social fields”. The King pointed out that Jordan is making steady progress towards improving its economic situation and establishing an attractive investment environment. “Much work has been done to heighten our ability to compete and to increase the opportunities that you, as ambassadors, are expected to highlight in order to attract investment that will in turn improve economic conditions and provide job opportunities for citizens,” he said. His Majesty stressed that his primary concern is to improve the living standards of Jordanians. “Naturally, developing economic ties with other countries will have a direct impact on our efforts in this regard,” he noted. Addressing the forum, Prime Minister Samir Rifai underscored the King’s efforts in support of Arab causes and joint Arab coordination in confronting regional challenges. He emphasised the need to activate the role of Jordanian diplomatic missions to convey the true message of Jordan and its efforts in support of Arab rights. The premier also briefed those in attendance on the government’s plans in accordance with its Letter of Designation. In his address at the forum, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh stressed that the ministry will continue to develop its role to serve Jordanians abroad and protect their interests. The minister also voiced appreciation for King Abdullah’s makruma to allocate a plot of land for ministry employees that will be used to build a residential complex, adding that the government started the implementation of the project in cooperation with the concerned entities. Also Thursday, King Abdullah met with Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary general of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), who is in Jordan to take part in the forum, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The King underlined the important role of the OIC in defending Islamic causes and the true image of Islam that is based on moderation. His Majesty also commended the OIC’s efforts to enhance cooperation among Muslim countries, enabling them to face common challenges. In addition, he stressed Jordan’s support for the OIC in protecting and defending Islamic interests and issues. Discussions also covered developments in the Middle East and efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution and within a regional context. Ihsanoglu briefed the King on the OIC’s priorities and efforts to enhance joint Islamic action. Also on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) on the sidelines of the forum. The MoU, signed by Judeh and ACC President Riyad Saifi, seeks to expand cooperation between the chamber and the ministry as well as Jordanian diplomatic missions through providing facilities to traders and investors. The two sides will cooperate by holding several symposia and other meetings to highlight the private sector and promote Jordan’s investment opportunities.
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May 15th, 2010, 12:05 PM
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JORDANIAN INDUSTRY MINISTER SAYS KUWAITI AMIR''S VISIT WILL BOOST ECO. TIES
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┌ CAMARINES SUR: SSC CAMSUR | PROJECTS AND CONSTRUCTION | PORTS AND SHIPPING ├ ASIA'S BEST THREAD: ASEAN REGIONAL NEWS THREAD └ VISIT: CAMARINES SUR |
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May 16th, 2010, 03:54 AM
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AMIR''S VISIT TO JORDAN HISTORIC -- AMBASSADOR
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┌ CAMARINES SUR: SSC CAMSUR | PROJECTS AND CONSTRUCTION | PORTS AND SHIPPING ├ ASIA'S BEST THREAD: ASEAN REGIONAL NEWS THREAD └ VISIT: CAMARINES SUR |
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