Jordan Times
Friday, March 26, 2004
King reaffirms support for judiciary's modernisation programme
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah has
reaffirmed his support for the judicial authority's modernisation programme and
the improvement of judges' living conditions as part of the Kingdom's ongoing
development.
In remarks at a meeting held at Beit Al Baraka with Judicial Council President
Mohammad Raqqad, the King said he was keen to see a developed judicial system
wherein court proceedings serve more efficiently to expedite the settlement of
civil cases.
Raqqad presented King Abdullah with the 2003 annual report on the courts.
The report deals with articles concerning the judicial cadre, the volume of
cases examined by courts, legislative-related issues, court infrastructure and
judge training programmes in Jordan and abroad. The Monarch underlined the
importance of training judges to improve their proficiency, stressing his
personal concern and promising to follow up on a mechanism for implementation of
his directives.
At the meeting, attended by Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, Raqqad said the
judiciary is taking firm steps to modernise the branch in line with the King's
vision and in cooperation with the executive and legislative branches.
At present, the judiciary employs 587 judges including 19 women, and is planning
to employ between 80 to 100 additional judges from among trained court officers
in an effort to reduce the pressure on the current cadres, according to the
report.
In addition, the report includes amendments to several laws, which grant certain
immunity to judges in handling cases and an amendment granting courts the right
to employ modern techniques in their examination of cases and passing court
rulings.
The report noted that an amendment to the Economic Crimes Law which was passed
recently provides for settling disputes in reconciliation cases regarding the
return of embezzled funds.
The judiciary is setting up courts in different parts of the country.
Construction of a court complex in Mafraq has begun and tenders have been
awarded for similar projects in the governorates of Irbid, Balqa and Karak. Work
on the latter three projects is to start in the coming few months.
The report provided clauses revealing plans for court modernisation projects in
the coming three years, meeting international criteria and working to enhance
the courts' adjudication of economic and investment cases and enhancing the
judiciary's independence.
Later on Thursday, King Abdullah inspected expansion work currently under way at
the King Hussein International Airport in the port city of Aqaba.
During the visit, His Majesty checked on progress so far and the ongoing
expansion of the airport's different departments such as storage and air
freight, the headquarters of the Royal Falcons (Acrobatic Club) and the Royal
Parachute and Aero Sports Club.
The development plan coincides with the Monarch's directives to upgrade the
airport's different sections to render it a regional and international facility
for the transport of passengers and goods.
The project will contribute to the development of the Aqaba region, particularly
the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) and Wadi Araba, as it will equip the
airport to deal with different types of aircraft, turning Aqaba into a logistic
multi- transport centre. The plan will also promote the Kingdom's tourism
sector.
During the visit, the King was briefed on the work implemented so far, including
the construction of runways, ramps, terminals, entrances and parking areas, as
well as other infrastructure.
Around 86 per cent of the project, to cost over JD11 million, has already been
completed.
ASEZ Deputy Chief Commissioner Emad Fakhouri said the airport is vital to the
development of the zone and investments.
Rifai and ASEZ Chief Commissioner Nader Dahabi accompanied the King on the
visit.