Jordan Times
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Lawmakers vow cooperation with
gov’t on reforms
AMMAN (JT) - Parliament leaders on Monday pledged to proceed with reforms in
full partnership with the government.
In replies to King Abdullah’s Speech from the Throne, the speakers of the Upper
and Lower Houses of Parliament stressed that they will be guided by His
Majesty’s directives in their efforts to help the country overcome challenges
facing it.
At meetings with both Chambers at the Raghadan Palace, the King listened to the
replies in which Senate President Zeid Rifai and Lower House Speaker Abdul Hadi
Majali stressed that legislators would do their utmost to contribute to the
reform process and directives outlined in the King’s speech inaugurating the
first ordinary session of the 15th Parliament.
Rifai said the current stage is fraught with challenges, vowing that the four
coming years will be “a time of integration between the executive and
legislative authorities”.
He said the Senate realises that providing the people of Jordan with the means
for a decent living is a top priority, adding that the Upper House will,
hand-in-hand with the Lower House, support the government in its pursuit of this
goal.
In the Speech from the Throne early this month, King Abdullah said improving
people’s living standards tops the country’s agenda, calling for “productive
cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities to achieve
political, economic and social reform plans”.
The King urged the deputies and the government to work to serve people’s
interests away from “personal interests, or interests that are related to a
district, party or narrow tribal affiliation”.
In the speech, the King criticised the previous Parliament as well as former
governments for impeding reform policies.
In the reply to the speech, Rifai said the Senate will commit itself to the
King’s directives and work for transparency and accountability in the
legislation process.
He said the focus will also be placed on efforts to achieve higher economic
growth, enhance financial and monetary stability, address the problem of
indebtedness, rationalise expenditures, further rely on local resources and
enhance the role of the private sector in development.
Rifai said the Senate will support the government in its efforts to develop
education, expand the coverage of medical insurance and activate monitoring on
food products, drugs, water and environment.
Speaker Majali stressed the Lower House’s commitment to the partnership and
cooperation with executive authority, stressing the role of legislative
authority in monitoring and accountability.
Majali stressed support to reform and modernisation plans highlighted by King
Abdullah, noting that the economic, social and political challenges the Kingdom
faces required work in the spirit of one team to protect the rights of citizens,
entrench justice and promote comprehensive development principles.
He said the Lower House is keen on enhancing a culture of democracy, political
development and political parties’ involvement.