‘King’s speech affirms commitment to reforms, fight against extremism’

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah’s Speech from the Throne highlighted the need to combat terrorism, not only militarily but also by confronting extremist ideologies through entrenching moderation and raising awareness on the noble principles of Islam, newspapers said Monday.

The King’s address at the opening of the 17th Parliament’s second ordinary session also stressed the commitment to continued reforms, noting that the united internal front is the main pillar of Jordan’s security, which is directly linked to that of the Arab neighbours, the major newspapers said.

In its editorial Monday, Al Rai daily said the Monarch outlined the country’s priorities at the current stage.

King Abdullah stressed that in spite of challenges and regional developments, “this will not be used as an excuse to delay reforms as it helps enhance national unity, pluralism and moderation.”

“The address sent a strong message that Jordan will defend its internal front while protecting Arabs and Muslims,” the Arabic daily said.

In a region plagued with extremism, violence and terrorism, the King was firm in emphasising that Jordan is a place of coexistence and solidarity between Muslims and Christians and will never hesitate to face extremism, the editorial read.

In an analysis published Monday, Al Ghad daily said the speech highlighted the Jordanian army’s role in defending the Arab and Muslim nation.

“King Abdullah highlighted that facing extremism and terrorism is not only through military force, but there is a need to confront extremist ideologies through spreading a culture of moderation and raising awareness,” Al Ghad said.

The King’s speech highlighted that Islam is a religion of tolerance and acceptance of others, it said, noting that the Monarch stressed that it is the duty of all to defend Islam and highlight its true image.

The King was firm in underscoring the need to stand up firmly to all those seeking to alter the image of Islam and fuel sectarian tensions, Al Ghad said. 

His Majesty also said that “Zionist extremism” feeds into a conducive environment for terrorism when there is no justice and equality between nations, the daily said.

His Majesty’s address provided the “main guidelines for the Kingdom’s priorities internally and externally”, Mohammad Tal, Ad Dustour chief editor, wrote in a column Monday.

“The King showed firmness when he spoke about Jordan’s future in reform to secure a decent life for Jordanians,” he noted.

King Abdullah highlighted the responsibilities of all in facing present challenges in the region, Tal added.

His Majesty reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains Jordan’s first issue, while expressing continued commitment to protecting the Arab identity of Jerusalem, Tal added.

The King also referred to the need to fight terrorism, which is spreading in the region and threatening the existence of all countries.

“King Abdullah highlighted the role of all in defending Islam strongly and courageously and standing up to all those seeking to defame it, for Islam is not a religion of violence, destruction and murder,” he added.