Jordan Times
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Statesmen review Kingdom’s
achievements
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Saturday said the Kingdom was
going through a new stage to entrench its independence by defending its
identity, security and democracy.
Despite its limited resources, the premier added, Jordan has managed to continue
its march of progress, and succeeded in withstanding challenges and defending
its progress and achievements.
Bakhit made the remarks at a seminar yesterday held by Al Rai Centre for Studies
and Research in cooperation with the Jordanian Society for Political Sciences.
The symposium, entitled “The Jordanian State - 86 Years,” brought together
several former prime ministers and senior officials, who said Jordan’s march
towards progress and advancement was marked by challenges and sacrifices, which
require all to continue working and building on the achievements to enhance the
Kingdom’s march of independence.
During the event, chaired by the centre’s director, Abdullah Otoum, speakers
said the circumstances the Kingdom has gone through are proof of the strength of
the country, which places the Palestinian issue and pan-Arab concerns on the top
of its priorities.
Highlighting Jordan’s continued support for the Palestinians, former prime
minister Ahmad Lawzi stressed that the Kingdom has been always concerned with
all pan-Arab issues.
Senator Fayez Tarawneh, also a former prime minister, said Jordan has always
maintained a balance in its march towards progress and building a country that
is open to the world and deeply believes in pluralism.
He added that the Kingdom’s relations with the international community and its
openness to the world added to its strength at all levels.
For his part, former prime minister Abdur-Ra’uf Rawabdeh said talk about
confederation or a federation between Jordan and Palestine at this stage is
designed to absolve the international community of its responsibility to create
an independent Palestinian state, so the solution will be at the expense of
Jordan, a matter that is completely rejected.
Rawabdeh, a deputy in the 14th Parliament, added that talk about the type of
relationship between Jordan and Palestine is premature and should not precede
the creation of an independent Palestine state.
Former premier Faisal Fayez, who referred to the country’s achievements and the
challenges it faces, told participants that a major achievement is the Kingdom’s
security and the stability amidst a turbulent region.
Meanwhile, Adnan Badran, who served as prime minister in the previous
government, reviewed the country’s achievements since its establishment.
Reiterating Jordan’s keenness to unleash the potential of the younger generation
and support their creativity, he also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on
education and health.
Jordan Press Foundation (JPF) Board Chairman Fahed Fanek said the objective of
the symposium was to add to current achievements and realise comprehensive
development in a community that is making rapid advancements.
Fanek, who commended the country’s achievements over the years, noted that the JPF believes in the importance of such seminars in addressing existing issues and proposing ideas that could enhance current achievements.