Interior minister resigns

AMMAN (JT) ––A Royal Decree was issued on Sunday accepting the resignation of Interior Minister Hussein Majali and referring to retirement Public Security Department (PSD) Director Gen. Tawfiq Tawalbeh and Gendarmerie Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Sweilmin, the official Jordan TV said.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said in a statement that the minister’s resignation was a result of “the lack of coordination among security organisations that include the Public Security and the Gendarmerie departments.”

In a statement carried by the official Petra news agency, the premier said the concerned departments failed in coordinating “in key issues that affect the security of citizens and the stability of our dear homeland,” adding that these issues were not addressed properly.

“Out of the keenness of His Majesty King Abdullah to assert the rule of law, enhance the principle of security for all and not show any tolerance towards those who undermine the principles on which the this Kingdom was established, those who assault state property and secure citizens, or those who incite sedition … a Royal Decree was issued accepting the resignation of his excellency the Interior Minister,” the premier said in the statement.

The premier did not specify which issue led to the surprise decision.

But he said that the King directed the government to ensure that the PSD and Gendarmerie forces carry out their duties in a manner that would achieve a well-devised and integrated security system to guarantee the security and stability which the country enjoys.