Jordan Times
Thursday, January 15, 2004

House approves the temporary laws on transportation and tourism

By Sahar Aloul

A third law on the table, the National Construction Law, is expected to skate through approval in an upcoming session.

Meanwhile in discussions of the “unscheduled topics” agenda, MP Ali Utoum (Irbid, 1st District) said he objected the planned establishment of an American university in Amman, saying such an institution would “corrupt the minds of our students and assault the basis of our religion.”

Utoum was also critical of plans by an Austrian company to build an amusement park in Zarqa. That undertaking he described as “foolish.”

Both projects are part and parcel of two large development projects being undertaken by MAWARED, the National Resources Investment and Development Corporation.

MAWARED officials made presentations to the press detailing the organisation's plans for Zarqa Military Camps Site Development Project and Al Abdali Urban Regeneration Project in Amman.

MAWARED was established by the government and tasked with developing large plots of land in various cities throughout the Kingdom.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Mohammad Halaiqa responded to Utoum's comments, highlighting the viability of establishing both the university and the amusement park.

Several countries in the region have American universities with proven track records in quality education, Halaiqa said.

As for the amusement park, the minister explained it would offer children in the area new playgrounds and recreational facilities.

Deputy Suleiman Abu Gheith (Madaba, 1st District) asked Cabinet members present to look into the latest series of promotions at the Social Security Corporation (SSC). Abu Gheith charged that the promotions were “unfair” and were precipitated by “favouritism.”

The promotions were contested by some SSC employees who felt they had been overlooked, claiming to be in line for advancement.

Minister of Labour Amjad Majali said both he and the head of the SSC were aware of the promotions and a new promotions list, based on merit, was under preparation.

There was a sharp exchange of words between MP Abdul Munem Abu Zant (Amman, 2nd District) and Abdul Karim Dughmi (Mafraq) after the former commented on the strong tribal influence in the fabric of society.

Dughmi, a former Cabinet minister, told Abu Zant to stop offending a “large and fundamental portion” of the Jordanian society.

Abu Zant, a former Islamic Action Front (IAF) member, defended himself by saying, “I am a Palestinian Jordanian who is proud of this country and would never insult it.”

During the session, IAF Deputy Ali Abul Sukkar (Zarqa, 2nd District) questioned Minister of Political Development Mohammad Daoudieh about an interview he gave to one of the Arabic dailies on national dialogue and the role of the IAF in the Jordanian political scene.

Abul Sukkar claimed the minister belittled the IAF's part in shaping the future political party scene, but Daoudieh said his words were taken out of context and that he believes the Front has a very important role to play during the coming period.

Meanwhile, parliamentarians meeting in Amman for the African Arab Forum on Population discussed several population concerns in this part of the world.

Senator Marwan Hmoud, the forum's secretary general, briefed the audience — ministers, MPs, senators, and UN officials — on the Kingdom's efforts in maintaining a transparent policy towards population issues.

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah said Jordan has taken concrete steps to include the population issue in the overall development strategy, since it plays a vital role in alleviating poverty and bridging gender, social and economic gaps in society.

Back to January 15, 2004