Jordan Times
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Maintaining security, reform
process top gov’t priorities - PM
AMMAN (Petra) - Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Wednesday reiterated that
maintaining security and stability and the drive towards democracy and reform
topped the government’s priorities.
During a meeting with a delegation from the British Royal College of Defence
Studies currently visiting the Kingdom, Bakhit said these goals are not
contradictory since reform requires stable conditions to be achieved.
The prime minister briefed the delegates on the main challenges facing the
country, foremost of which, he said, were poverty, unemployment, the increase in
fuel prices and the water shortage, and highlighted steps taken to deal with
these issues.
Stressing the Kingdom’s sound economic performance, the premier cited the
increase in the volume of exports, adding that all economic indicators show that
the economy is moving on the right track.
Referring to regional developments, Bakhit stressed the importance of a just
solution for the Palestinian question, saying it would bring an end to crises in
the Middle East, since it is the core issue in the region.
He emphasised that the Arab Peace Initiative ensures a just solution for the
Palestinian question and provides security for the Israelis, underlining the
importance of the success of the conference called for by US President George W.
Bush to put the peace process back on track.
The premier also reiterated the Kingdom’s support for political dialogue in
Iraq, which should involve representatives of the country’s various groups and
sects.
Addressing the Iranian nuclear file, Bakhit stressed the need for a peaceful
solution through diplomatic channels.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff General Khaled Sarayreh also met with the
delegation, headed by Major General Sebastian Roberts, yesterday.
During the meting, Sarayreh discussed issues of common interest to the two
countries’ armies and briefed the delegates on the Jordan Armed Forces’ mission
and role.
Also on Wednesday, Bakhit inaugurated the 4th Jordanian Greek Medical
Conference, organised by an association of doctors who studied in Greece.
During the three-day conference, held to keep abreast of medical achievements
worldwide and boost cooperation, over 500 doctors from Jordan and Greece will
examine several papers and research on the latest developments in the field of
medicine.