Petra News Agency
Sunday, November 25, 2007
New Government Sworn in
Earlier Prime Minister Nader Thahabi expressed in his reply to the letter of designation, his appreciation of the confidence given to him by His Majesty to form a government that will shoulder its responsibilities under the Hashemite leadership in the coming stage.
He expressed hope that he and members of his government will be able to shoulder their responsibilities as the King wanted.
Dahabi said the King's directives in the letter of designation will serve as a guideline for his government, affirming that his ministerial team will work with determination to translate the Royal directives into clear programs and executive plans.
Highlighting the economic and social priorities in the coming stage, the prime minister stressed his government will do its utmost to achieve sustainable economic growth, provide competitive environment for our national economy and pave the way for the private sector to work and invest in an active and genuine partnership between the government and private sector, to increase productivity, fight poverty and increase job opportunities for Jordanians.
The government, he added, will enhance political reforms through continuing political reform programs and enhancing public participation and developing party life.
The prime minister added that the government will pave the way for democratic and free dialogue and contacts with the parliament, civil society institutions and women and youth voluntary organizations. "It will also work to enhance the principles of transparency and accountability and support the Anti-Corruption Commission to achieve its objectives," he added.
On social security, he said the government will work seriously to include aspects of education, health and housing in the social safety network and will work to raise salaries of civil service and military personnel. "The government will also work to develop the education sector and improve education outputs through developing curricula, teaching methods and training of teachers.
Dahabi said the government will also work to provide relevant housing for citizens through implementing housing projects for teachers, establishing military housing funds and the King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz city in Zarqa.
The prime minister said the government will work to expand health insurance to include all citizens, accelerate the process of constructing hospitals and health centers and provide them with necessary technical cadres.
“It will also work to monitor quality of food products and water to protect health and safety of citizens.
The government, he added, will work through an integrated strategy that meets citizens’ needs, to provide them with basic needs of energy through the utilization of energy resources and searching for alternative and other renewable resources. “It will also work to implement the nuclear energy program for peaceful uses and implement projects to develop current water resources, build dams and expand water harvesting projects.
Dahabi said the government will work in partnership with all spectra of all Jordanian society to pave the way for constructive and serious dialogue to achieve consensus on national issues.
He added that the government will work to protect freedom of the media through drawing up plans to develop the official media and provide our media institutions with competent cadres.
Dahabi said that his government will do its utmost to enhance the prevalence of law and provide a relevant climate for judges and work with the Judicial Council to implement plans to ensure independence of judges.
He said the government will work to translate the values and principles of justice and equality for citizens and spread the culture of moderation and tolerance. “It will also work to fight extremism and promote the Amman Message,” he said.
On the Arab level, he said the government will work to unify Arab ranks in line with the King’s directives to enhance Jordan’s relations with its Arab brethren and unify Arab stance in face of challenges, at the top of which is the Palestinian issue.
Jordan, he added will use its relations on the Arab and international levels as well as its capabilities to help the Palestinians in their quest to establish and independent and viable Palestinian state.
The prime minister said that Jordan will also provide all forms of support to protect the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and affirm the Arab unity of Jerusalem.
The government, he added will give all forms of support to the armed forces and security apparatus which will remain the shield of the homeland.