Jordan Times
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Parliament expresses support
for We are All Jordan Forum recommendations
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday listened to the two Houses
of Parliament’s replies to the Speech from the Throne he delivered at the
opening of the fourth ordinary session on November 28, the Jordan News Agency,
Petra, reported.
Both Houses stressed their support for the recommendations made by the We are
All Jordan Forum, held in July to set the country’s priorities, including the
most urgent laws designed to institutionalize reform efforts in the economic and
political spheres
In the speech, the King praised the national consensus achieved in the meetings,
“and reflected in practical working programs and unanimous agreement on
immutable national principles.”
Thus, the King continued, “the next phase of the government’s work will be based
on a number of these national principles, primary among them: Improving
Jordanians’ living standards, preserving public freedoms, enhancing popular
participation — especially the participation of women and youth — in decision
making, fighting corruption, ensuring the supremacy of law, enhancing the
judiciary’s independence, enhancing transparency and accountability, focusing on
human resource development and self-sufficiency, and strengthening the pillars
of financial stability and those of our currency.”
In their replies to the speech, Senate President Zeid Rifai and Lower House
Speaker Abdul Hadi Majali voiced appreciation for the Gulf states, especially
Saudi Arabia, for their economic support of Jordan.
In his address at the Parliament, King Abdullah referred to Jordan’s success in
obtaining aid from the Gulf states.
Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the 2007 state budget stands at JD398 million,
the government told the Lower House on Monday.
In his speech, the Monarch said he had directed the government, as they were
preparing the general budget for 2007, “to include programs and projects that
would improve the standard of living of citizens in all governorates, enhance
the investment climate and realize justice in the distribution of the benefits
of development.”
Praising these efforts, the two Houses also commended the King’s efforts to
bring about peace and stability in the region, responding to remarks the King
made in his speech.
“As for regional challenges, and the circumstances through which the region is
passing, from the moment they appeared, Jordan sought to crystallize a united
Arab stance that could speak to the world in one voice and face these
challenges. It will continue in earnest to exert such efforts,” King Abdullah
said in his speech.