Jordan Times
Tuesday, August 30, 2005

'No delay in publication of report'
By Mahmoud Al Abed

AMMAN — There are no plans to postpone the publication of the National Agenda report, scheduled for next month, a senior official announced yesterday.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher dismissed as incorrect local news reports saying there would be a delay in announcing the findings of the 27-strong National Agenda Committee.

The panel was formed in February upon directives by His Majesty King Abdullah to draw the guidelines for policy making over the next 10 years. Subcommittees, comprising 200 experts in the targeted fields from the public and private sectors and academia, are assisting the committee members.

Muasher, who heads the National Agenda Steering Committee, said the work of the main committee and subcommittees “is proceeding perfectly,” stressing that the report would be presented to the King before Sept. 30.

“The agenda is a future vision of what Jordan should look like in 10 years,” he said, adding that work on such a vision “will not be affected by local events.”

The deputy premier did not comment on the resignation of three jurists from the Justice and Legislation Subcommittee, namely Jordan Bar Association President Saleh Armouti, constitutional law expert Mohammad Hammouri and lawyer Saleem Zu'bi.

The three have told the press that their resignations were in protest against Muasher's comments that the committee's report would not include proposals on amending the Constitution.

Muasher explained that “differences in opinion are natural in such a national effort.”


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