Jordan Times
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
No compromises on national causes — PM
AMMAN (JT) — The terrorist threat, the recent
hike in prices and the General Sales Tax and the development process in its
wider sense were the main topics Prime Minister Faisal Fayez discussed with
citizens, parliamentarians and officials in the southern governorates of Tafileh
and Karak, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The premier reiterated the government's rejection of statements made by a key
Islamist opposition figure, accusing the government of fabricating the
“explosives-laden cars crisis” to divert the public's attention from the recent
hike in the prices of fuel derivatives and the General Sales Tax.
He stressed that the terrorist “threat is real. A terrorist organisation intends
to jeopardise the security and stability of the country.”
Fayez said the Kingdom is making no compromises on national causes. “Had we
offered compromises, our situations would have been much better
[economically]... We do not make sentimental, momentary political decisions
without giving enough consideration of the future of our country and our
children. Such decisions have undermined entire countries,” he said.
Speakers in both governorates said they support the government's measures to
“deal with an iron fist with those who threaten the security and stability of
this country,” according to the agency.
Fayez reiterated that the government was aware that the decision to raise prices
is not popular, reminding his audience that it was not possible to get donor
countries' assistance without lifting part of the fuel subsidies. He highlighted
steps taken to ease the effects of the decision on citizens, citing the
expansion in the aid fund beneficiaries' base and in health insurance.
On development plans in the districts, Fayez said the government seeks to ensure
that citizens feel the results of the comprehensive development on their daily
lives.
Speakers at both meetings took turns to list demands of their respective areas,
while officials summed up the projects implemented under the Socio-Economic
Transformation Programme and other development plans.