Jordan Times
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
PM instructs ministries to
respond to press queries, provide journalists with accurate information
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Faisal Fayez yesterday instructed ministers and
officials to respond to all press queries and provide journalists with accurate
information through their spokespersons.
During a meeting with media leaders on Tuesday, the premier said the move was
part of endeavours to achieve “an effective media that is capable of expressing
the will and ambitions of Jordan,” reiterating that media outlets should enjoy
“responsible freedom” and reflect pluralism in political, economic and social
opinions.
At the meeting, held at the Foreign Ministry, Fayez highlighted the need for
media institutions to adhere to the standards of professionalism and accurate
and credible coverage of events. The government, as the party responsible for
political, economic and social security, seeks cooperation from the media so as
to preserve this security, he said.
“An inaccurate piece of information on our medical and food products, for
example, would have a deep and long-term negative effect on Jordan's economy,”
the premier told chief editors and top media executives, adding that “it is high
time we start highlighting the achievements and refrain from placing focus
solely on shortcomings.”
He said he recently noticed “violations of the press code of ethics.”
Fayez stressed the role played by the Jordan Press Association in activating the
code and that of the Higher Media Council, in cooperation with media outlets'
administrations in promoting sound training of journalists.
Minister of State and Government Spokesperson Asma Khader said the newly enacted
media laws provide a high level of freedom aimed at establishing a modern media
in a democratic Jordan based on pluralism and respect for the opinion of others.
Earlier on Monday, Fayez visited the ministries of planning and international
cooperation and higher education and scientific research, as well as the Higher
Council for Youth.
At the Planning Ministry, he said the government was determined to achieve a
qualitative leap in the national economy based on improving productivity and
competitiveness.
He stressed the role of the private sector in promoting sustainable economic
growth, creating jobs and improving citizens' living standards.
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah said his
ministry has designed the 2004-2006 Socio-Economic Development Plan, including
one independent chapter for development plans in the governorates, in
cooperation with concerned ministries and institutions. He pointed out that the
plan aims at achieving a real growth rate of six per cent in the GDP by 2006,
maintaining stability of prices and enhancing the productivity of workers. The
plan also seeks to increase the level of independence on local financial
resources and control the state budget deficit and expenditures to arrive at a
state of financial stability.
Awadallah said the Socio-Economic Transformation Programme has served as an
integrated development programme whose clear timetable and objectives persuaded
donors to provide more assistance. Awadallah reviewed the tasks assigned to the
ministry, pointing out, among others, preparing plans, strategies and
development programmes. He added that the ministry connects financing
institutions and international donors with local ministries and public
institutions, and manages the financing of the development projects through
loans and grants.
At the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Fayez stressed that
universities should play a bigger role in the comprehensive development process
by ensuring that the outcome of the educational process meets labour market
needs. He highlighted the need to focus on scientific research, as it is the key
to advance in all fields.
Fayez said he would meet with university presidents and deans of student affairs
to set the basics to organise student participation in political life in a way
that does not politicise the educational process or turn universities into
arenas for political conflict.
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Issam Zabalawi gave a
briefing on higher education in the Kingdom. Around 180,000 students are
currently enrolled in public and private universities and 25,000 in community
colleges, according to the minister. He said the ministry has received 27
applications to establish private universities.
Zabalawi noted that governmental financial support for universities stands at
$100 million while the expenditure of these universities is $450 million. The
total revenues from the 20,000 foreign students studying in the Kingdom totals
$160 million, he added.
The minister said around 6,000 students benefit from the scholarships offered by
universities every year.
At the Higher Council for Youth, Fayez said communicating with youth was
essential for comprehensive sustainable development, highlighting the importance
of running a media campaign to promote the national strategy for youth. He said
it was necessary to follow up on the recommendations of the recently held Youth
Forum organised by the council and attended by several Arab delegations.
Higher Council for Youth President Mamoun Noureddine said around 75,000 young
men and women participated in preparing the national strategy that was launched
last September. The strategy focuses on education, training, work, health and
political development.