Jordan Times
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Jordan celebrates Independence Day
AMMAN (JT) — Jordan today marks the 58th anniversary of its independence.
The late King Abdullah I established the Kingdom
in 1921. His efforts to achieve internal security and a national unity won the
newly established Transjordan recognition from Great Britain in 1923. The
country won its full independence in 1946 following the end of the British
mandate.
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan won its formal independence from Britain on May
25, 1946.
On the occasion, His Majesty King Abdullah received Monday cables of good wishes
from Arab and foreign heads of state, crown princes and senior officials.
Activities were planned and held around the country to celebrate the national
holiday.
On Monday, senior army officers, senior officials and academicians gathered at a
seminar held by the University of Jordan. Director of the Royal National Defence
Academy Major General Mohammad Allaf and Director of the Armed Forces Moral
Guidance Department Brigadier General Ahmad Masarweh delivered lectures on the
Kingdom's security strategy and how to incorporate the concept of true
independence into the life of Jordanians.
Chief Chamberlain HRH Prince Raad Ben Zeid, president of the Royal committee for
the restoration of Prophet Mohammad's companions' burial places, on Monday
signed a JD380,000 agreement with the Abu Hijleh Company to build a mosque and
renovate Prophet Houd's shrine in Jerash Governorate. The mosque will be built
on a 1,200-square-metre plot of land and will include a hall for Koran studies,
a prayer room for women and other services.
Prince Raad said the agreement is part of the Kingdom's celebrations marking the
anniversary of Independence Day. Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Ahmad
Hilayel attended the ceremony.
Also yesterday, Vocational Training Centre (VTC) Director General Ziad Matarneh
inaugurated an exhibition at the Hakama Vocational Centre marking the
Independence Day anniversary. On display are products made by the VTC branch in
the northern region. Matarneh highlighted the significance of cooperation
between the public and the private sectors in achieving sustainable development.
On Sunday, the Greek Orthodox Church held a mass performed by the Patriarch of
Jerusalem in observance of Independence Day and the anniversary of the King's
Coronation.
His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday delegated Chief Justice Sheikh Izzeddine
Khatib Tamimi, his adviser on Islamic affairs, to represent him at the mass.
Minister of Water and Irrigation Hazem Nasser, members of diplomatic missions
and a large Christian congregation attended the mass.