Local

AMMAN — One of the training planes of the Royal Jordanian Air Force on Sunday crashed in Jerash Governorate due to technical failure, a military source at the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army said, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The source added that he plane crashed at 10:30am on Sunday. The crew, a trainer and his student, survived the crash by parachuting into the town Balila. The two were transferred to the hospital where they were reported to be in fair condition.

AMMAN — Spanish Ambassador to Jordan Aránzazu Bañón Dávalos on Saturday honoured a number of teachers and specialists in Spanish studies and culture with royal medals in recognition of their efforts in teaching and disseminating the Spanish language and culture in Jordan, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

A ceremony was held at the Spanish embassy, which saw the attendance of the President of the Jordanian Spanish Friendship Association Taher Masri, members of the association, the ambassadors of Mexico, Chile and Venezuela as well as a number of academics representing Jordanian universities in addition to the families of the honoured.

During the ceremony, the ambassador praised the relations between Jordan and Spain in various areas, expressing her appreciation of the efforts of the honoured academics. For his part, Masri highlighted the efforts of both countries in strengthening bilateral ties in various fields.

AMMAN —The US embassy in Amman intends to resume public services as of Monday and is lifting most temporary travel restrictions on US government personnel and their family members, it said in a statement on Sunday. US citizens should remain aware of the possibility of protests, some of which have the potential to become violent.

The US embassy reminds US citizens of the need for caution and awareness of personal security, it said in the statement posted on its website. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news for updates.

Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions from local authorities. Avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

All temporary restrictions on the movement of US government personnel and their family members (including school attendance) in Amman have been lifted. Official and personal travel outside Amman by US embassy personnel remains prohibited based on the embassy’s resources to support such travel.

AMMAN — Lower House speaker Atef  Tarawneh has received a statement from the president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Gabriela Cuevas, in which she stressed that the union’s support to the Lower House’s stance on Jerusalem, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

“The Parliamentary Union is aware that this decision undermines the political and legal efforts to find a peaceful settlement between Israel and Palestine, and also contradicts the UN Security Council’s resolution number 2334.

This will have consequences on any peace-making operation in the Middle East,” Cuevas said.  

AMMAN — The Palestinian-Jordanian Business Forum has stressed its support to the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah’s decision to denounce US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Sunday.

In a statement, the forum praised His Majesty’s stance in rejecting the US decision, condemning the decision to transfer the US embassy to the holy city.

The statement added that it was a “provocation” to the feelings of Arabs and Muslims, noting that Jerusalem is considered to be Arab and Palestinian under international laws, and that the occupation authorities have “no right to impose sovereignty over it”.

The forum pointed out that Trump’s decision contradicts the UN resolutions, and threatens the value and credibility of any previous or future attempts to bring peace in the region.

AMMAN — Jordan suggested a roadmap for Arabs to respond to US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, urging orchestrated pan-Arab action to contain the repercussions of the move and prevent any similar decisions.

In his remarks at the Arab League Council’s emergency meeting in Cairo, which was convened upon Jordan’s request as the rotating president of the Arab summit, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi outlined a five-step strategy for Arabs to deal with Trump’s decision, which will be followed by relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city.

The five-point plan, which Safadi described as “impactful and programmed” calls for “taking action, in coordination with the international community to rescind the decision and taking steps to prevent other countries from following the steps of Washington. This necessitates forming an Arab delegation to visit influential world capitals to push for the two-state solution to the Mideast conflict,” Safadi said, adding that the entire world should then recognise the emerging independent Palestinian state, within the pre-1967 lines and with East Jerusalem as its capital.   

Amman also urged Arab states to adopt an effective approach to explain to the rest of the world the risks inherent in altering the status quo in Jerusalem or its character.

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s rejection of Trump’s decision as a violation of the international law, saying that any new realities stemming from it are null and void. 

He stressed anew that Jerusalem’s fate should be decided in the final-status negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis, which should lead to the envisioned Palestinian state.

On the sidelines of the meeting in Cairo on Jerusalem, Safadi met separately with his Egyptian and Palestinian counterparts Sameh Shoukry and Riyad Al Maliki.

During the meetings, Safadi briefed the two ministers on Jordan’s efforts to deal with Trump’s decision. 

Safadi flew to Cairo from Bahrain, where he, earlier in the day, took part in Manama Dialogue 2017, where he stressed that the most serious security threat to the region is the continuation of Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Depriving Palestinians from their legitimate right to establish an independent state on the lines of 1967 amplifies the security threats, he said.

During the dialogue’s first session titled “creating a stable regional security structure”, the top diplomat said that Trump’s decision on Jerusalem would instigate further unrest in the region as it violates all international conventions and increase feelings of “bitterness and frustration”.

The minister noted that it is not possible to accept interventions of “others” in the Arab affairs, as that would lead to more conflicts.  

On Friday, Safadi and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini agreed that the fate of Jerusalem is a final status issue and can only be resolved in final status negotiations in accordance with international resolutions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During their meeting in Brussels, Safadi and Mogherini stressed on the need to limit the negative consequences of the United States’ decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which was rejected by Jordan because it is a violation of the international law and a dangerous step that will provoke anger throughout the Arab and Muslim worlds.

Safadi said that the occupation is the basis of tension in the region and there will be neither stability nor security without doing justice to Palestinians and their right to freedom and statehood with East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital. 

Mogherini expressed her concern following the US’ decision, stressing on the European Union’s support for the two-state solution as the only way to achieve peace, in which Jerusalem would be a capital for two states. 

Mogherini praised Jordan’s role in achieving stability and security under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, stressing the importance of supporting Jordan.

AMMAN — Jordanians on Saturday continued their protests against US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, with more activities and functions planned for the week. 

On Saturday, dozens of Jordanians carrying national flags gathered in front of the US embassy in Abdoun to protest Trump’s decision, while other rallies were reported in other towns and areas following a “day of rage” Friday, when dozens of thousands of Jordanians from all walks of life and political spectra took to the streets to condemn and reject the decision.

Peaceful demonstrations were reported in more than 30 locations in Amman and other towns across the country.

Later in the day, His Majesty King Abdullah tweeted: “Jordanians are always the centre point of this nation, and what they have shown today is a strong feeling towards Jerusalem, our first issue, with unmatched cohesion and brotherhood, which reflects the dignity of our people, a source of pride for me and for every Arab. God bless Jordan and its people as a shield and a bond to our nation and its people”.

Her Majesty Queen Rania also tweeted: “Today Jordanians stood united in solidarity with #Jerusalem & its Arab identity. A stand that emphasized the strong connection between Jordanians & the Palestinian cause.”

“Today we mourn the loss of more of Jerusalem’s heroes, who gave their lives defending the city’s Arab identity. May God have mercy on the martyrs and protect our brothers and families in #Jerusalem.”

On Saturday, Prime Minister Hani Mulki stressed that Jordanians proved they are the pulse of the nation, citing the way they stood up in solidarity with Jerusalem. 

Speaking during a visit to Karak, he underlined Jordan’s full support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, the necessity of ending the occupation, establishing an independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian land with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Regarding planned activities, President of Amman Chamber of Commerce Issa Murad has called on the commercial sector to close down their shops on Sunday from 12 noon until 1pm in solidarity with Jerusalem. 

In a post he shared on his Facebook page, which was later shared by media outlets, Murad said the step is taken in protest against the decisions by US President Donald Trump to move the American embassy to Jerusalem and to recognise it as the capital of Israel. 

Other civil society institutions followed suit, including Jordan Bar Association, it was reported.  

Meanwhile, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem on Saturday called on churches to hold their Sunday prayers for Jerusalem, its sanctities and its people and all those who love it to pray for it in the shadow of its ordeal.

The Orthodox patriarch said in statement that prayers should be made for just and peace, and to stop the violations in the Holy Land. He added that the Christians of the Holy Land always stand with Muslims in the defence of Jerusalem, which is a place for all monotheist religions. 

Friday’s rallies, in a rare occurrence, were encouraged by officials and political groups alike, including the opposition.

In a statement later Friday, police commended the level of responsibility exhibited by participants in the rallies, which saw almost zero friction with security forces. 

In the largest rally nationwide in downtown Amman following Friday’s prayer, several thousand demonstrators chanted slogans against the US and Israel and voiced solidarity with the Palestinians in the face of the US administration’s decision.

Jordanians from all walks of life and representatives of different parties including the communist, leftist and Islamic parties took part in the demonstration in downtown Amman, where police were deployed.

“We are here to express our anger regarding the illogical and childish decision by Trump. The US claims to be seeking peace, while what it is doing on the ground is always the opposite,” Mohammad Al Nawaiseh, 56, told The Jordan Times during the protest.

“Jerusalem is not only for the Palestinians or the Jordanians, it is for all Arabs and Muslims who should not remain silent,” said Nawaiseh.

Samer Abu Steif, a 45-year-old carpenter and a resident of Jabal Al Joufeh in east Amman, said he took part in the demonstration to send a clear message that “all Arabs and Muslims are against the decision”.

“It is unbelievable to see the Zionists entity killing Palestinians, building settlements, occupying our lands and now take Jerusalem. It is heartbreaking to see no serious reactions from the Arab and the Islamic world,” said Abu Steif.

“Recognising Jerusalem as a capital for the Zionists is a crime at all levels and a reward for the murders and occupiers,” said Abu Steif.

During the protest, demonstrators burnt Israeli and American flags and called for severing ties with Israel and abolishing the Wadi Araba peace treaty, which Jordan and Israel signed in 1994.

AMMAN — Planning and International Cooperation Ministry and the Economic and Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans (ESARSV) on Saturday signed a financial agreement worth JD3 million for 2017-2019 at the Royal Court.

According to the agreement, which comes in line with the Royal directives, ESARSV will use the funding as a credit portfolio to finance small productive enterprises for retirees, to contribute to empowering them and improve their living conditions by securing them additional sources of income.

In the presence of Royal Court Secretary General Youssef Issawi, head of the follow-up committee for the implementation of Royal initiatives, the agreement was signed by Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury and Director General of ESARSV retired. Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al Ajarmeh.

During the signing ceremony, Issawi noted that the agreement highlights His Majesty King Abdullah’s initiatives launched to improve the quality of life for the military retirees, including clubs established across the Kingdom and support for ESARSV’s money-generating and agricultural enterprises.

For his part, Fakhoury said that the financing agreement came in implementation of Royal directives to support this important group.

He noted that such concessional credit facilities constitute direct empowerment tools for military pensioners, as they would help enhance their productivity and instil a culture of self-employment through income- and job-generating small enterprises.

The minister added that according to the deal, the ministry will provide the association with JD3 million over 2017-2019, to be granted to retirees as loans without interests.

He stressed that the ministry would also provide technical support and consultations, including training and feasibility studies through the ministry’s 28 productivity-enhancing “Iradah” centres.

Some 210 retirees will benefit from the loans during the first year, the minister said.

Fakhoury underlined the importance of cooperation between his ministry and the ex-servicemen association, which, he said, has resulted in financing and implementing 78 money-generating enterprises and financing 45 consumer outlets run by the association.

Ajarmeh announced that his organisation has begun preparation to implement the initiative in coordination with the ministry, and the two sides will jointly draft the regulations that govern the project, in addition to establishing a unit to oversee the implementation of the deal.

He noted that applications for loans will be accepted as of the beginning of 2018. 

AMMAN — A study documenting the extent of illegal hunting in Jordan through the analysis of posts on social media has warned that overhunting of threatened species in the Kingdom is increasing “alarmingly” and suggested a review of the local hunting system.

The study, titled “Illegal hunting in Jordan: using social media to assess impacts on wildlife”, analysed 606 photographs from seven hunter groups posted on Facebook between 2015 and 2016, recording the killing of 4,707 native animals belonging to 59 species. Birds constituted the majority of the animals killed, followed by mammals and reptiles.

“Flouting of Jordanian laws was widespread, with daily bag limits exceeded on many occasions, and in the case of chukar partridge, the most popular quarry, some hunters exceeded the limit by 3,000 per cent,” the study indicated.

A total of 34 species with special protection under Jordanian laws were killed, according to the study, which indicated that the hunting of large mammals, especially the Nubian ibex and gazelles, whose population is already depleted, was particularly excessive.

Co-authors of the study Ehab Eid and Ramzi Handal told The Jordan Times that the study seeks to assess the extent of illegal hunting in Jordan, and address its consequences on species’ survival and conservation efforts.

“Overall, the survey shows an alarming picture of overhunting of threatened species and ineffective enforcement of hunting laws, despite the efforts of key government and voluntary agencies,” Eid, who is the director general of the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan, said.

The study, a copy of which was made available to The Jordan Times, showed that five species of mammals categorised as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List were hunted, including the Nubian ibex, goitered gazelle, dorcas gazelle, mountain gazelle and marbled polecat.

In addition, analysis of the posts on the hunters’ groups on Facebook showed that two vulnerable bird species were hunted, the Asian houbara and the turtle dove, in addition to two endangered bird species; the saker falcon and the steppe eagle, as well as the vulnerable reptile species of the Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard.

Among the birds category, the chukar partridge was the most hunted species, followed by the common quail and the rock dove, while, among mammals, the cape hare was the most commonly hunted species, followed by the Nubian ibex and the wild boar.

“We recommend urgent action to address the causes of the problem and to improve the management of hunting through better collaboration, mobilisation of resources and awareness raising,” Handal, head and founder of Jordan’s Outdoor Sport Association, said.

The 4,707 individual animals killed in the 13 months of study is “worryingly high, especially as the seven [hunters’ Facebook groups] are only a small proportion of licensed hunters, the study said.

It concluded that there is “little doubt that hunting is a major factor influencing the decline of wildlife species and undermining the success of conservation efforts in the Kingdom”.

The study called for addressing the increasing number of licensed and unlicensed hunters in Jordan and the lack of sufficient enforcement officers, especially outside protected areas.

AMMAN — A recent study by the UNHCR, warned against the extent of sexual violence against men and boys in the Syrian crisis, stressing that “this violence may be far more widespread than previously understood”.

Titled “We keep it in our heart — Sexual violence against men and boys in the Syria crisis”, the study, which was conducted in late 2016, comprised several dozen of informants and focus group discussions (FGD), involving some 196 refugees in Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan, according to a statement by the UNHCR.

The study opened, quoting Lara (all names were changed to protect the refugees’ identity), a woman who took part in a Women’s FGD in Jordan, stated: “The main reason we left is not fear of shelling or bullets. The main reason we left is because of fear for our honour. This is the main reason – fear of us being abused, all of us, our daughters and our men.” 

Between 19.5 to 27 per cent  of male survey respondents in  the three countries  confirmed  having  experienced  sexual  harassment  or  unwanted  sexual  contact  as  boys, the report showed adding that one focus group of refugee women in Jordan estimated that 30 to 40 per cent of all adult men in their community had  experienced  sexual  violence  while  in  detention  in  Syria.

Individual interviews included in the report provide “shocking accounts” of what refugees, or others known to them, have experienced since the start of the crisis. Mentions of “severe and debilitating violence”, including weapons being used for sexually assault, sexual exploitation and blackmail, and several other practices were reported by the interviewees, most of which were said to have occurred in detention or makeshift prisons.

“When I was in detention in Syria, I was tortured in every possible way. We were 80 persons in one cell with no light for 30 days. We were all naked. At night, they hung us from our hands — they tortured us with electricity… I thought we would die,” a refugee identified as Tarek was quoted in the report as saying.

The study highlighted the varied consequences of such practices on the refugees’ personal, emotional, economic and social state.

“Sexual violence, particularly sustained sexual torture, had profoundly debilitating and destabilising psychological consequences,” the report indicated, citing physical trauma, social stigma with male victims being shunned and shamed, economic hardship due to poor mental health, community marginalisation, or compromised physical health. 

The survey also pointed out the high rates of school dropouts among these victims.

“One of my uncles in Syria was arrested. A few months after he was released from detention, he told us — he broke down, crying in front of us — that there was not one spot on his body that had not been abused by an electric drill. After he was released he stopped eating and became alcoholic. He died from kidney failure,” Ahmed, a victim’s relative who took part in Jordan’s Young Men’s FGD.

Among victims in countries of asylum, one respondent described sexual violence, often perpetrated by older youth, as happening “on a daily basis”, further compounded by the dismissal of their complaints, often referred to as “bullying”.

“These are most disturbing accounts revealing just how grave the risk of sexual violence has become both for women and girls and, as shown by this recent report, also men and boys,” said Volker Türk, UNHCR assistant high commissioner for protection, adding “it is clear too that we are faced with a vicious cycle here of little help being available, limited outreach to male survivors, inaccessible services, and a culture of silence — all of which reinforce a myth that this problem is rare.”

Following the examination of the characteristics, causes and impact of sexual violence against boys and men, in addition to the identification of good practices to address the needs of the victims, the report outlined a number of recommendations for humanitarian agencies and parties involved in working with refugees. 

It called for stronger prevention strategies, better confidentiality arrangements, protection against reprisals, improved survivor care, and strengthened awareness among humanitarian agencies and staff.