Jordan Times
Friday, April 8, 2005
Gov't to work in line with
National Agenda, reform — Badran
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Adnan Badran on Thursday said the new government
will build on previous achievements and work on eliminating “loopholes” in line
with the anticipated National Agenda and reform plans.
In his reply to the Letter of Designation, Badran said the government will
closely work with the Steering Committee for the National Agenda, formed by His
Majesty King Abdullah in February to set the guidelines for the development
process during the coming decade. The 26-member panel, expected to draft the
agenda by September, is currently working on drawing up programmes, strategies
and policies, to which successive governments should be committed.
The premier said translating reform measures into legislation is key to
institutionalise reform and sustainable modernisation — “which would meet
citizens' aspirations for achievements.”
He added that development and improvement “cannot be achieved without the full
participation of all the segments of the society and continuous coordination and
cooperation with the Parliament.”
At the same time, the private sector should “assume its vital role,” Badran
said, vowing that his government will work to build bridges between all these
sectors.
The government will also respect the freedom of speech and political and human
rights to enhance innovation and progress, the premier said.
At the economic level, Badran said: “My colleagues and I will do our utmost to
develop the investment environment and promote local, Arab and international
investment in Jordan.”
The premier, meanwhile, said the government will intensify scientific and
technological input in the national economy.
Badran added that prosperity requires security and stability. Therefore, the new
government will continue to support the Jordan Armed Forces and security
services, helping them carry out their duties at the optimal level.
The new Cabinet will also work on enhancing ties with Arab countries.
“We will work on achieving cooperation, coordination and consultation with all
Arabs at the political, economic, cultural, educational and tourist levels,” he
said.
He also pledged continued support for the Palestinians and the Iraqis, stressing
that Jordan will always adhere to its policy of noninterference in internal
affairs of any country and its rejection of all forms of terrorism.
Badran later told reporters after the first Cabinet meeting on Thursday that the
government will, in particular, work on improving ties with neighbouring
countries, particularly Syria and Lebanon.
Also yesterday, Badran visited the Lower House and met with acting Speaker
Mamdouh Abbadi and a group of MPs.
He underlined the need for cooperation and constructive dialogue between the
executive and legislative powers.