Jordan Times
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Municipal, parliamentary
elections to be held this year — King
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday said municipal and
parliamentary elections would be held this year and called on citizens to
participate in the polls.
In an interview on Jordan Television’s (JTV) Sittoun Dakika (60 Minutes)
programme, the Monarch urged the Lower House to accelerate the endorsement of
laws regulating political life in the Kingdom in order to activate political
development and entrench democracy.
Responding to a question posed by JTV Director General Faisal Shboul, the King
said he was aware of the hardships faced by citizens due to the rising cost of
living and the regional situation, especially in Iraq and Palestine.
“We are on the right track. We set development plans to enhance the living
conditions of citizens, especially the poor and those with limited income… this
issue tops my priorities and I directed the government to implement several
services and development projects that will reflect positively on the lives of
citizens.”
Referring to his visit to the US, he said it comes at a time when the region is
going through a difficult and complicated stage, which makes it necessary to
take action at the various levels to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
The King said it is important to cooperate with world powers, mainly the US, to
find a settlement to this situation in the region, adding that the Middle East
faces two choices: Peace and stability or chaos, violence and destruction.
During his visit to the US, King Abdullah will focus on the 2002 Arab Peace
Initiative in his address to the US Congress on March 7, after talks with US
President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice on regional developments and means to revive the peace process.
Stressing that the US is a basic player in the region’s issues and the country
most capable of influencing Israel, King Abdullah said it is the time that
America uses this influence to prove its transparency and impartiality to the
people of the region.
But the main responsibility is Israel’s, which must choose between living in the
mentality of “Israel the fortress” or living in peace and security with its
neighbours, the Monarch said.
During his meetings with Bush and Rice, King Abdullah said he sensed a clear
commitment to the importance of the Palestinian issue, which Jordan considers
the core conflict in the region.
He said that a solution to the Palestinian problem would spare the region
disaster and chaos.
On Iraq, the King said Jordan supports all efforts seeking to achieve a
consensus between Iraqis and establish stability in the country.
The Monarch said he would meet with business leaders in the US during his visit
and acquaint them with the investment opportunities available in the country.
King Abdullah added that he would explain the country’s economic situation in
order for it to receive assistance and support to implement development
projects.