King urges enactment of political reform-related laws ‘with no delay’

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed the importance of forging ahead with political reforms, stressing the need for legislation endorsed without any delays despite adverse regional conditions, according to a Royal Court statement.

At a Royal Court meeting with representatives and dignitaries of the Palestinian camps, the King said: "We do not want any delays in the [enactment] of the elections bill and the other laws that steer political reform in the right direction." 

In line with the King's commitment to transparency, His Majesty underscored Jordan's strong decade-and-a-half political positions and the high appreciation of Jordan and Jordanian people worldwide.  

The King noted that he heard these words of appreciation in several Eastern and Western countries, saying "today is a chance to thank my people from the north, centre, south, east and west for their positions."

Regarding Israeli violations in Jerusalem, the King said protecting Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif is the most important issue to him, pointing out that such a mission is his “personal duty” and an honour for Jordan.

“During my recent visit to New York, I spoke with leaders of Arab, Western and Eastern countries and I explained our stance on Jerusalem which is, along with Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, a red line for us. There are no terms of division or partnership in our dictionary,” the King told the attendees.

The Monarch said there are pledges from the Israeli side and “we are waiting for what will unfold in the coming few days”.

In regards to the political situation in the region, the King reiterated Jordan’s stance supporting a political solution in Syria. 

“Jordan’s political role in the region is garnering a lot of attention,” he said, stressing his continuous “pride of and trust in the armed forces and the security apparatus”.

Royal Court Chief, Fayez Tarawneh said His Majesty gave instructions to implement several Royal initiatives that complement the government’s work in several sectors to improve the level of services provided in all camps.

Tarawneh added that these initiatives, to be implemented by the Royal Court, come after previous initiatives of a total value of JD13 million that covered development, social care, housing and youths, among others.

The Royal Court had previously established a comprehensive development centre of the Baqaa camp committee, an administrative complex for civil society organisations that services eight other organisations within the camp, a comprehensive development centre at the Hitteen camp, a multi-purpose hall for the camp of Martyr Azmi Al Mufti, and a development centre for the committee to better the services of Zarqa camp.

In regards to social care, especially for persons with disabilities (PWD), Tarawneh said the initiatives that aim to better services to centres specialised for PWDs included building a second floor for the social rehabilitation centre in the Irbid camp, an expansion of PWD rehabilitation centre and equipping it at the Martyr Azmi Al Mufti camp, the provision of games for the PWD centre at the social care centre at the Talbiah camp, and the provision of buses for PWD transportation in the same camp.

In regards to the vulnerable families’ housing project, Tarawneh stressed that the rehabilitation of 75 housing units in all camps will be supported by the Department of Palestinian Affairs.

In regards to youth, he pointed out that initiatives included establishing a five-a-side football pitch for Al Wihdah club in the Madaba camp, the rehabilitation and expansion of another similar pitch at the Jerash and Hitteen camps, and the construction of administrative buildings for the latter.

Another initiative was the creation of a public park at the Baqaa camp for the families and children of the area.

Representatives of refugee camps expressed their appreciation for the King’s keenness to meet, exchange views with them and listen to their demands. 

They offered some requests and suggestions on how to improve services to residents of camps through further cooperation with government agencies. They also stressed that national unity in the Kingdom is a cornerstone for its strength and future development.  

Adnan Asmar, one of the dignitaries, thanked the King for his constant defence for Jerusalem and its holy sites, adding that camp residents insist on their right to return, self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state. 

Among the demands, Hassan Marshoud, another dignitary, called for more financial support to sports clubs in refugee camps and to continue the construction of football pitches. 

Fathi Ghayadah, called for increasing the number of university seats offered to students from refugee camps and to turn scholarships into full grants. 

Representatives from Baqaa camp called for establishing a public park in the camp, which is on the northern outskirts of Amman.