Jordan Times
Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Reform, modernisation process irreversible — King Abdullah
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday said “partisan fragmentation and the lack of parliamentary blocs built on platform bases” constitute an impediment to the political development process.
But he stressed that the Kingdom would carry on with the reform and modernisation process and under no circumstances will this process, which should involve all, be reversed.
The government has presented its project for political development and the ball is now in the court of civil society institutions to “meet it half way.”
Joint efforts are needed to achieve a level of political development that matches with the reputation and ambition of Jordan to become an example to follow and a pioneer in the field at the regional level, the King told Jerash Governorate notables at a meeting held at the Royal Court.
The King said political development is meant to go hand-in-hand with comprehensive economic development whose fruits should be reaped by all governorates, with the creation of job opportunities.
He urged acceleration in the implementation of plans designed for the various districts so that these areas would attract people to settle there, adding that economic and education development are top on his scale of priorities.
The King said Jerash has great agricultural and tourism potential that should be utilised optimally, reiterating willingness to support any productive idea that would contribute to reducing unemployment.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Faisal Fayez said Jordan has gone a long way in economic development, citing a record 6.9 per cent economic growth rate for this year.
Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, Minister of Planning Bassem Awadallah and Minister of Interior Samir Habashneh also attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported that King Abdullah, Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, attended a military exercise in the central military zone yesterday. His Majesty was received by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Khalid Sarayreh and the area commander. HRH Prince Faisal and senior army officers also attended the exercises.