Jordan is off-limit to terrorists — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday stressed that Jordan is off-limit to terrorists and extremists, renewing his confidence in the ability of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) and security agencies to protect the country.

During a meeting at the Royal Court with dignitaries from Karak, His Majesty expressed his condolences to Jordanians over the death of Major Rashed Zyoud, who died last week in a security raid targeting terrorists in Irbid, and wished Zyoud's injured colleagues a speedy recovery.

His Majesty commended the role of JAF and security institutions' personnel for “working day and night to safeguard the Kingdom and its people”, according to a Royal Court statement.

On the global war against terrorism, the Monarch said: "It is our war in Jordan and in all Arab and Islamic countries against khawarej (outlaws of Islam), and it is not only in Syria and Iraq but also in Libya, eastern and western Asia and Africa; it is a world war."

He also highlighted the importance of fighting the extremist ideology –and terrorist organisations it produces – through mosques and educational institutions, underlying the role citizens play in confronting these ideologies.

Shifting to other challenges facing the nation, the King reaffirmed that the priority is to address economic woes, mainly poverty and unemployment in the Kingdom.

His Majesty added that  there are opportunities at hand for Jordan to benefit from the recent London donor conference, noting that the US administration is willing to cooperate with several countries, especially European partners, to help the Kingdom capitalise on the conference's outcome through attracting more foreign investments.

Outlining projects realised or in the pipeline aimed at improving the economic and social situation in Karak, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh said relevant authorities plan to revamp the cave which houses the remains of the 1910 anti-Ottomans Karak uprising’s martyrs in a town in the region called Iraq, in addition to opening a road leading to the location and establishing a public park with a memorial monument in memory of the martyrs.

Tarawneh also announced Royal makrumas (initiatives)  to establish 38 residential units for impoverished families, in line with priorities set by Social Development Ministrys, as well as establishing a vocational school in the governorate, which lies some 140km south of Amman.

He noted that the Governorate Development Fund has financed seven projects in the area, generating 300 jobs to local residents. Tarawneh added that more funds will be allocated to municipalities to start income-generating projects. 

As for the youth and sports, the official said that under Royal directives, a gymnasium was built at the Prince Feisal Sports Complex, in addition to seven youth centres, three football fields and eight club headquarters.

In this regard, Tarawneh noted that a branch of Zaha Cultural Centre will be established in Karak in coordination with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Former prime minister Abdul Salam Majali called for investing in the historic, religious, archaeological and touristic features of Karak Governorate to stimulate inbound tourism. He suggested setting up a local council to be in charge of implementing related policies.

For his part, Karak Mayor Mohammad Maaytah highlighted the importance of declaring Karak as a development zone and implementing new development and service projects. 

Karak Chamber of Commerce President Sabri Dalaeen presented several demands, including full lighting for the road extending from Qatraneh to the governorate’s entrance, and filling in vacancies in some medical specialisations at the Karak Public Hospital.

Head of women’s committees in the district, Maysoon Mubaideen, called for building offices for her organisation and intensify efforts to empower women economically.

Ali Soub, speaking on behalf of the youth sector, said young people look forward to benefiting from all available resources in Karak like investing in oil shale and renewable energy, and improving infrastructure and services.