Jordan Times
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
National Security head named; 9 advisers exit
AMMAN (JT) — Royal Decrees on Tuesday appointed a
new National Security head and accepted the resignations of Royal Court chief as
well as nine advisers to the King, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Acting Director of the King's Office Marouf Bakhit was named director of
National Security, replacing former head of the General Intelligence Department
Field Marshal Saad Kheir, who also resigned as adviser to the King on security
affairs.
Bakhit was appointed deputy National Security director and acting director of
the King's Office in September. He also served as ambassador to Israel and
Turkey.
A senior court official, meanwhile, said the appointments “had nothing to do
with last week's suicide attacks.”
“They were set to be announced last week,” the official told The Jordan Times.
Retired Jordan Armed Forces Gen. Salem Turk replaced former prime minister
Faisal Fayez as Royal Court chief.
His Majesty King Abdullah sent a letter to Fayez, thanking him for his
“distinguished efforts and performance.”
The resignations of the King's advisers Yousef Dalabih, Aqel Biltaji, Sima
Bahous, Hani Mulki, Tahsin Shurdum, Mohammad Malkawi, Izzeddine Khatib Tamimi
and Ahmad Hilayel were also accepted yesterday.
Hilayel kept his post as imam of the Royal Hashemite Court, while Tamimi also
resigned as chief justice.
On Tuesday, Mohammad Fakhri Abu Taleb was named keeper of the privy purse,
replacing Mohammad Munir Durra.