Jordan Times
Friday, May 6, 2005
Kheir entrusted
to set up national security agency
Royal Decrees promote the King's adviser to field
marshal, and name Major General Samih Asfourah GID director
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday promoted General Saad Kheir
to field marshal and entrusted him to set up a national security agency.
In a Royal Decree issued yesterday, Kheir, who
headed the General Intelligence Department (GID), retains the post of adviser to
King Abdullah on security affairs and becomes National Security Director as of
May 5.
In a letter addressed to Kheir, the King praised his performance over the past
four-and-a-half years.
“As you are leaving your post and moving to a highly important position, I
extend my thanks to you for your dedication and distinguished performance,” King
Abdullah said.
He said he was confident that Kheir's performance in the new post would be as
distinguished as his tenure at the GID.
Kheir took over the helm of GID on November 9, 2000. He was appointed as
director of the State Security Council in 2001 and in March 2002 became the
King's adviser.
A holder of a bachelor's degree in political sciences from the University of
Jordan, Kheir joined the GID as an intelligence cadet and made his way up the
ranks over nearly three decades.
Kheir became second-in-command at the department in 1996.
Also in 2001, King Abdullah bestowed upon him the title of “maali,” which is
equivalent to the rank of minister, with all inherent privileges.
Also Thursday, a Royal Decree was issued appointing Major General Samih Asfourah
as the new director of GID.
Asfourah, who was born in Mafraq, holds a bachelor's degree in law. He was a
practising attorney until he joined the GID in 1972.