Jordan Times
Monday, May 25, 1998
Jordan celebrates 52 years of independence
AMMAN (Petra) — Jordan today marks its 52nd anniversary of independence. On May
25, l946, the Emirate of Transjordan declared its independence when His Majesty King
Hussein's grandfather, Abdullah Ben Al Hussein, was proclaimed King of the Hashemite
Kingdom of Jordan.
The founder of the Kingdom, Prince Abdullah, arrived in Ma'an leading a force against the
French in Syria, in a campaign part of the Great Arab Revolt launched by Sharif Hussein of
Mecca, the great grandfather of King Hussein. Prince Abdullah established the Emirate of
Transjordan in April l921.
Britain officially recognised the Emirate on may 25, l923 and agreed to Prince Abdullah's
request to form the first Jordanian government headed by Rashid Tulei.
On the eve of the anniversary, Jordanians take pride in the achievements of their country
which, represents a major political and economic accomplishment at the regional level.
Independence was an important step towards the implementation of the aspired goals of the
Hashemites, who since the outbreak of the Great Arab Revolt of l9l6, sought to help Arab
states achieve unity and independence.
The anniversary of independence this year crowns a long march of sacrifices and relentless
efforts launched by the founder of the Kingdom to achieve progress, development, stability
and peace, which has continued under the leadership of King Hussein.
Jordanians who take pride in their Kingdom and its leadership view with satisfaction the
progress achieved in their country at the political, economic, social, cultural, health
and educational levels.
The Kingdom has become a regional leader in human rights, freedom of speech, political
pluralism, democracy and democratic dialogue.
King Hussein has translated his pan-Arab policies through his call for and work towards
achieving solidarity among Arab states and towards continued support for Arab summit
meetings to deal with the challenges and dangers posed to the nation.
For Jordan, the Palestine question remains the country's main concern over the years and
Jordan has been translating its support for the Palestinians through continued and
relentless efforts to back the Palestinians in their endeavours to regain their rights
under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
To pursue its support for the Palestinians, Jordan provided the necessary umbrella for the
Palestinians to attend the Madrid peace conference, which opened the way for the
Palestinians to conduct their negotiations with Israel to achieve their legitimate
objectives.
In addition, Jordan, which secured the return of its occupied lands through the l994 peace
treaty with Israel, has been exerting all possible efforts to back the Syrians and the
Lebanese to regain their rights and end the Israeli occupation.
Meanwhile, speaking on the eve of the anniversary, Minister of Education and Higher
Education Mohammad Hamdan gave figures which he said reflected the progress of education
in the Kingdom since independence day in l946.
According to Dr. Hamdan, from 77 schools that existed in the Kingdom in l946, the country
now has 4,478 schools while the number of students in the same period grew from l0,729 to
l.3 million and the ministry's budget rose from JD 35,248 in l946 to JD 2l0 million at
present.
He noted that one of the main achievements in education is clear through the decline in
the rate of illiteracy noting that while in l96l the rate stood at around 77 per cent, it
now stands at ll per cent.
Amman Chamber of Industry Chairman Khaldoun Abu Hassan said on the eve of the Independence
anniversary that Jordan's industry flourished under King Hussein as industrial businesses
now number more than 25,000 and contributes to 22 per cent of the gross national product
and 90 per cent of the country's exports to ll0 nations.
Mr. Abu Hassan said that despite its meagre resources, Jordan has succeeded in setting up
25,000 industrial businesses employing a least l50,000 workers.
Mr. Haidar Murad, chairman of the Federation of Jordanian Chambers of Commerce said in a
statement on the occasion that the economic process has been growing over the years,
noting that the members of the Chamber of Commerce in l923 numbered around 40, rising to
nearly 3l,000 at present.
Since the l940s, Jordan's external trade rose in value from JD 2.2 million to JD 4.2
billion in l997, Mr. Murad added, noting that the federation which now represents more
than 70,000 firms has played a major role in bolstering the national economy.
On the occasion, all government departments and public institutions will be closed, while
several functions have been organised around the country to mark Jordan's 52nd
Independence Day anniversary.
On the eve of the anniversary, King Hussein received cables of good wishes from Prime
Minister Abdul Salam Majali, senior government officials, key public figures, heads of
unions, religious leaders and prominent Jordanian personalities.
Cables also came from heads of state in Arab and foreign countries.