Jordan Times
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Gov’t to facilitate entry of
Lebanese
AMMAN (Petra) — Minister of Interior Eid Fayez underlined the need on Wednesday
to facilitate the entry of Lebanese citizens into the country through border
crossings.
Touring the Jaber crossing, the minister said his visit is meant to follow up on
the implementation of His Majesty King Abdullah’s directives to facilitate
procedures for the entry of foreigners into Jordan, especially those fleeing
conflict in Lebanon.
In statements to the press, Fayez stressed the importance of offering all
facilities to the Lebanese citizens, investors and businesspeople, especially
tax exemptions to encourage them implement investment projects in the country.
Fayez also said a new reception centre at the Jaber border will be established
at a cost of JD100,000 as well as the addition of 100 security personnel with
the Customs Department to help accelerate procedures.
Director of Jaber Crossing Colonel Ibrahim Abu Hweimah said since July 12 more
than 575,000 passengers passed through, of whom 27,220 were Lebanese.
The minister yesterday also referred to the King’s directives to set up a
taskforce to help the Lebanese private sector overcome the deteriorating
economic situation caused by Israeli aggression.
In this regard, the minister said the government plans to create a special
economic zone in Aqaba to store goods for Lebanese businesspeople, noting that
several other facilities would be offered.