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AMMAN — The occupancy rate at many of Aqaba’s hotels reached 90 per cent in the first week of the port city’s 2016 month-long carnival, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Commissioner for Economic Development and Investment Affairs Sharhabeel Madi said Saturday.

The carnival, launched for the second year, seeks to increase the number of visitors by encouraging local tourists to make the southern city their getaway from the cold weather.

Madi said room prices for three to five days at the city’s hotels range between JD65 and JD130 within offers to attract tourists to the warm southern city, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

AMMAN — The most recent report on cancer in the Kingdom showed that 5,013 Jordanians were diagnosed with the disease out of 7,454 cases registered in the Kingdom in 2012, Health Minister Ali Hiasat said Friday.

In a ministry statement, Hiasat noted that the average of cancer infection in the Kingdom stood at 78.5 per 100,000 of the population. The ministry’s statement came on the occasion of World Cancer Day, celebrated annually on February 4, with this year’s theme being “We can. I can”.

Omar Nimri, head of the National Cancer Registry, said the most common cancers in Jordan are breast, colon, lung and vesica cancers, in addition to lymphoma, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

AMMAN — Royal Court Secretary General Yousef Issawi, who heads a committee entrusted with following up on Royal initiatives, visited Balqa on Saturday and checked on the implementation of several projects there.

Issawi visited youth centres, a projected olive presser, cultural centres, a teachers’ club and a women’s centre, among other projects, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The official was briefed on the progress of work at these initiatives and the services they provide for the people of Balqa Governorate. 

AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez is scheduled to take part in the 2016 World Government Summit, which opens on Monday in Dubai.

Participants are expected to include heads of states and governments of Arab and foreign countries, civil society institutions, and a number of experts and researchers in various scientific and humanitarian disciplines, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The three-day summit will address the changes taking place at the global level in the development of government services.

AMMAN — Parts of a street on the road leading to Kufur Jayez town, north of Irbid, some 80km north of Amman, collapsed on Friday. 

Irbid municipality's engineering and works department is studying the causes of the collapse, which damaged an area of 25 square metres on the street, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Irbid Mayor Hussein Bani Hani issued directives to prepare a detailed report on the causes of the collapse, which did not lead to injuries, and to begin rehabilitating the road. 

He also called for examining the entire area to avoid similar incidents in the future.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday urged the world to take a meaningful stand on Jordan and to adopt its new approach on Syrian refugees.

He said Jordan is not merely a poor country that only takes, but instead it has always done the right thing and has been compassionate and generous to people in need.

Addressing the “Supporting Syria and the Region Conference” co-hosted by the UK, Norway, Kuwait, Germany and the UN, His Majesty said that the gathering came at a “critical moment in history — when we are confronted with what is arguably the worst, most tragic humanitarian crisis of our time — this gathering is a crucial test of our resolve, resilience, resourcefulness and ability to act”.

Following is the full text of the speech:

“In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,

Prime Minister Cameron,

Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah,

Chancellor Merkel,

Prime Minister Solberg,

Secretary General,

I’d like to thank the United Kingdom and its co-hosts — Kuwait, Germany, Norway, and of course, the United Nations — for spearheading this vital effort.

Although we meet today under the banner of ‘Supporting Syria and the Region Conference’, I believe that this gathering is about so much more than quantifying our willingness to give.

Indeed, at this critical moment in history — when we are confronted with what is arguably the worst, most tragic humanitarian crisis of our time –this gathering is a crucial test of our resolve, resilience, resourcefulness and ability to act.

The Syrian conflict is entering a sixth brutal year. Its bloodshed and human suffering have continued unabated. The repercussions have been global. The crisis has challenged economic and political alliances, raised questions about existing structures of cooperation and strained the social values that keep humanity united.

My friends,

Traditional approaches to handling crisis simply do not work to meet this most serious of challenges. We need broader and bolder action.

Today, Jordan and its global partners are proposing a new approach — one that meets this protracted crisis with a sustainable solution. Our holistic approach talks of investment and growth, not just aid and relief. It prioritises empowerment and self-sufficiency for refugees, over a demeaning reliance on handouts. It brings us together as partners — countries, regions, the private sector, international financial institutions — to build a new model for effective, sustainable action.

Out of all the countries in the world that need help, why give special attention to Jordan?

Because Jordan is not a poor country that takes, it is a country that gives, and gives abundantly. Imagine the impact had Jordan been different. Had we not let in refugees into our country over the past decades, what would the impact on the region and world peace and security have been now?

Today, one of every five people living in our Kingdom is a Syrian refugee. It is as if the UK had to absorb the entire population of Belgium. Hosting Syrian refugees consumes more than one quarter of Jordan’s national budget. The US and EU, whose combined economies are almost a thousand times bigger than Jordan’s, are struggling to handle about one million refugees: our small country, alone, has taken in almost 1.3 million already. And this is in addition to all the others whom Jordan shelters from the Gulf wars, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Libya, Yemen as well as Christian minorities fleeing persecution.

Jordan was hit with the first wave of Syrian refugees soon after the devastating impact of global financial crisis and the turmoil of the region’s Arab Spring. In challenging times, my country did the right thing, as it has so often before.

Our generosity is driven by Jordanian values, and sustained by the national resilience that has kept our country secure. This resilience is what has enabled Jordan to respond when we saw our neighbours in need and answer the call of the international community. Jordan has joined nations much larger and richer than we are in global peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

I would wager that no other developing nation has contributed more to global security than Jordan. Our fight against terrorism began way before September 11th and continues vigorously today. Our contribution and adherence to peace and moderation have been steadfast and unwavering. Our determination to continue our economic and political reforms at home is equally strong. We are firm believers in the importance of strengthening and expanding our private sector. By supporting entrepreneurship and investment, we will be able to unlock a future of opportunity for our population. We are not perfect and do not claim to be. But we are doing our best against very difficult odds.

Yet, looking today into the eyes of my people and seeing the hardship and distress they carry, I must tell you: we have reached our limits. I represent the people of Jordan. Their well-being and safety are my first priority. Our country will continue to do what we can to help those in need, but it cannot be at the expense of our own people’s welfare.

As my friend President Clinton said, “Jordan should not be penalised for doing the right thing.” Now is the time for the world to take a meaningful stand on Jordan. Not just enough aid to keep our heads barely above water.

By partnering with Jordan and supporting our refugee response, you will not only be addressing the urgent needs of millions. You will be helping my country continue to do the right thing, fulfilling a critical role in our region and staying strong for the world. This is an investment in hope creation, in an area where hope has been in limited supply. This is where we can take a political stance for the stability of the region, and show our will and ability to act as one.

Thank you.

AMMAN — Jordan on Thursday secured around $1.7 billion in grants and grant equivalents for its Syrian refugee response plan for this year and the coming two years.

According to the Jordan Compact, a statement issued by Jordanian stakeholders involved in the London donor conference, published by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, on Thursday, pledges made in London amount to around $700 million of grants in support of the Jordan Response Plan for 2016, the majority for priorities outlined in the resilience component of the plan targeting host communities. 

“Additional pledges already made will contribute to the aim of providing around $700 million in grants for 2017 and 2018 too. Donors will support job creation programmes such as P4P for Syrian refugees and host communities,” the document said.

More pledges of around $300 million of grant or grant equivalents have already been made. More is expected, according to the compact document.

Meanwhile, multilateral development banks have identified the potential to increase their financing from $800 million to $1.9 billion. It will be important that this funding is provided on as concessional terms as possible. 

The document said that the international community commits to continuing to work with Jordan in the years ahead to manage any remaining financing gaps. 

The Jordan Response Plan sets Jordan’s needs to maintain its resilience in dealing with the refugee crisis at around $8 billion for the years 2016-2018.

Titled “Jordan Compact: A New Holistic Approach between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the International Community to Deal with the Syrian Refugee Crisis”, the document said  the new approach is anchored on three interlinked pillars, to support Jordan’s growth agenda whilst maintaining its resilience and economic stability: 

Turning the Syrian refugee crisis into a development opportunity that attracts new investments and opens up the EU market with simplified rules of origin, creating jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees whilst supporting the post-conflict Syrian economy; 

Rebuilding Jordanian host communities by adequately financing through grants the Jordan Response Plan 2016-2018, in particular the resilience of host communities; and 

Mobilising sufficient grants and concessionary financing to support the macroeconomic framework and address Jordan’s financing needs over the next three years, as part of Jordan entering into a new Extended Fund Facility programme with the IMF. 

“The government of Jordan is committed to improving the business and investment environment and is taking forward a detailed plan on what measures, changes to regulation, structural reforms and incentives can be offered to domestic and international businesses. The aim is to produce this by the summer with technical assistance provided by key donors and the World Bank/IMF. The government has followed IMF advice on sound macroeconomic and fiscal management, and will embark on a new programme with the IMF (Extended Fund Facility) as a continuation to its fiscal adjustment and structural reforms that are also in line with the Jordan 2025 Vision,” it said.

The document stated that an integral part of incentives to businesses is access to European markets under easier terms than those currently available.

It outlines a government plan to create jobs for Jordanians and Syrians. 

“The government intends, as a pilot, to designate five development zones and provide these with maximum incentives under the new investment law. These have the potential to provide additional jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees. In addition to the existing preferential access for Jordan’s products into the EU market, such as zero tariffs, and no quotas for most traded goods, the EU will accelerate plans to revise preferential rules of origin with a view to an outcome by summer 2016 at the latest. The more generous the access to EU markets, the greater number of jobs likely to be created. Changes to preferential access to the US market provided a transformative export boost.”

In the outcome, and with “the right investment and access to EU markets, the designated development zones could provide hundreds of thousands of jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees over the coming years. Outside the zones, the sectors where there is low Jordanian participation and a high ratio of foreign workers (e.g. construction, agriculture, service industry, cleaning) and where there is a high degree of skills match (e.g. handicrafts, textiles), could provide roughly 50,000 job opportunities for Syrian refugees over the next year. Cumulatively these measures could in the coming years provide about 200,000 job opportunities for Syrian refugees while they remain in the country, contributing to the Jordanian economy without competing with Jordanians for jobs”.  

The conference of donor nations raised $11 billion for Syrian humanitarian needs over the next four years, British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday as the event in London drew to a close, Reuters reported.

Cameron told a news conference that donors had pledged $6 billion for this year alone, and a further $5 billion to be spent by 2020.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday held several separate meetings with world leaders and senior officials on the sidelines of the "Supporting Syria and the Region Conference" in London.

Discussions at the meetings covered the latest developments in the Middle East, especially in regard to the Syrian crisis, the importance of supporting countries hosting Syrian refugees, and efforts to combat terrorism and achieve peace in the region, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty met Charles, Prince of Wales, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, and Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. 

He also held meetings with prime ministers Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, Lars Lokke Rasmussen of Denmark, Juha Sipila of Finland, Charles Michel of Belgium and Tammam Salam of Lebanon. 

Moreover, His Majesty met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, European Parliament President Martin Schulz, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Sir Suma Chakrabarti.

The Monarch had brief encounters with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari. 

At the meeting with Prince Charles, talks addressed Jordan’s efforts in dealing with the Syrian crisis and the services offered to refugees.

His Majesty thanked the UK for supporting Jordan through the projects implemented by the Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation in the field of training and vocational education. 

Prince Charles commended Jordan’s role in dealing with the challenges in the region, particularly the Syrian crisis.

During talks with Cameron, the King stressed the need for more international support for Jordan to be able to handle the Syrian refugee crisis.

Assistance from donor countries, he added, should improve Jordan’s infrastructure, health, education and energy sectors and secure financing for development projects.

Cameron voiced his country’s keenness on assisting refugee-burdened Jordan.

Discussions at the other meetings highlighted the importance of finding a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis that ends the violence and preserves the country’s unity.

Talks also focused on the importance of having all countries commit to the outcomes of the donor conference to help refugee-hosting countries, especially Jordan.

His Majesty highlighted the importance of having the international community shoulder its responsibilities to mitigate the repercussions of the Syrian refugee influx on Jordan by supporting its development projects to enable it to continue offering humanitarian and relief services. 

The meetings also covered the importance of intensifying efforts and cooperation among the effective regional and international parties to combat the danger of terrorism and terrorist groups. 

The King reaffirmed Jordan’s call for a holistic approach with the participation of all concerned parties to combat terrorism.

Moreover, the meetings tackled the importance of reviving Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations through a two-state solution. 

For their part, the world leaders and officials praised Jordan’s approach in dealing with regional crises wisely, commending the Kingdom’s humanitarian services to Syrian refugees. 

AMMAN — Jerusalem Awqaf Department Director Azzam Khatib Tamimi has condemned Israel’s violations  against the Umayyad Palaces area to the south and southwest of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Thursday.

In a letter of protest sent to the occupation force chief in Jerusalem, Tamimi denounced Israel’s violations as an occupation force, stressing that it is legally bound to preserve the status quo before 1967 and honour the 1994 Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty.

Tamimi demanded that the occupation authorities halt excavations and end the destruction of Arab and Islamic heritage sites. 

He called for removing a makeshift metal roof set up in the centre of the Umayyad Palaces site.

Tamimi also called for removing the metal and wooden platforms set up to expand the yards designated for Jewish prayers next to the mosque’s Western Wall. The Israeli authorities decided last week to expand the platforms, according to Petra.

Tamimi, whose team is affiliated with the  Awqaf Ministry, stressed the Hashemite custodianship on Al Aqsa Mosque, urging Israel to respect everything related to Al Haram Al Sharif, Islam’s third-holiest shrine.

He concluded with an explicit demand to return the palaces to the jurisdiction of his department.

AMMAN — Jordan is strongly committed to the fight against human trafficking, but should strengthen its legal framework and adopt preventive measures, a UN official said on Thursday.

Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, UN special rapporteur on trafficking in persons, noted that in the Kingdom there is a “will by the government to stop this [human trafficking], there is commitment and a mechanism to find cases”, saying that the challenge is to make use of this mechanism to protect people and prevent any cases in the future.

“A solid legal framework is in place. The challenge is now to fast-track the revision of the legislation for a clearer definition and effective prevention and protection of the human rights of trafficked persons — after five years of implementation — and issue a new national strategy against trafficking,” Giammarinaro said at a press conference marking the conclusion of her eight-day visit to the Kingdom.

According to the Anti-Human Trafficking National Committee’s first report for the years 2009-2013, there were 12 human trafficking cases in the Kingdom in 2012, 29 cases in 2011 and 26 cases in 2010. 

In the field of preventive measures, Giammarinaro called on Jordan to increase opportunities for regular employment, ensure full implementation of recent regulations on domestic work with a view to better protect domestic workers, and increase safe migration options in order to eliminate the vulnerabilities of migrants to trafficking.

The official also encouraged the government to continue efforts to address trafficking for labour exploitation, including domestic servitude, which mostly affects young women from Southeast Asia and East Africa, as well as exploitation of Syrian refugees, including a large number of children working in agriculture and other sectors such as construction and garments.

She charged that violations against domestic workers are practised by agencies in the source countries as well as some agencies in the Kingdom.

Embassies play an active role in discovering these violations, Giammarinaro said, noting that the government of Jordan is aware of the issue and 24 agencies have been shut down in Jordan for committing violations against domestic helpers.

 “Exploited and trafficked persons must be adequately supported, in cooperation with civil society organisations, and must have access to remedies including compensation,” she added, according to a statement released Thursday.

As for sexual exploitation, the official said the “possibility of sexual exploitation of Jordanian women and girls cannot be ruled out”, adding that such hidden cases can only be identified if there is an active search for them. 

She noted that the refugee and asylum seeking population is particularly affected by early marriages of girls to foreigners and servile and exploitative situations including forced prostitution.

During her visit to the Kingdom, Giammarinaro met with representatives of various government agencies, the judiciary, and the National Centre for Human Rights as well as representatives of UN agencies, international organisations, civil society and victims of trafficking.

She also visited the Azraq refugee camp for Syrians, the Juweideh correctional and rehabilitation centre and two shelters for victims of trafficking, one run by the Ministry of Social Development and the other by the Jordanian Women’s Union. 

The special rapporteur will present a final report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2016.