Jordan Times
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
As he presided over part of the Cabinet meeting, the King underlined the importance of cooperation between the government and Parliament with regard to legislation related to socio-economic and political development.
During his visit to the Prime Ministry, the first since the formation of the new government of Faisal Fayez, King Abdullah expressed satisfaction with the government's performance so far and its communication with the Kingdom's various institutions.
He said that although there are obstacles facing incumbent governments, I am pleased with the role the prime minister is playing and the efforts he is exerting, voicing hope that 2004 would be a prosperous year for Jordan.
Our primary aim, the King told the ministers, is to improve the economic and social situations of citizens and curb poverty and unemployment. The Monarch also highlighted political development as being at the top of this government's agenda.
King Abdullah urged the government to be flexible in considering increases in taxes and prices, stressing that the underprivileged should not be overburdened by such hikes.
At the beginning of the meeting, the premier said the Cabinet will conduct an evaluation process after six months to assess the performance of each minister on the basis of progress he/she made in implementing the King's vision.
Fayez said the Council of Ministers is divided into three committees: political development, economic development and legal affairs.
The government, he added, is working on developing the decision making process at the level of the Cabinet and with regard to appointments in public offices and all crucial decisions.
Fayez said the field visits he and his team paid to the trade unions, professional associations, women's organisations and political parties, in addition to cultural, parliamentary and media institutions, have helped the government gather a wide range of opinions regarding plans for political development.
The process is mature enough now for dialogue among institutions and bodies concerned with political development, the premier said.