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AMMAN — The UNDP on Sunday wrapped up the first phase of a community outreach training programme that will support nine municipalities in the Irbid and Mafraq governorates, according to a statement from the UN agency.

The three-day workshop took place at the Greater Irbid Municipality and engaged a total of 30 representatives, two trainees and one supervisor per municipality.

The initiative falls under the UNDP project for “Mitigating the Impact of the Syrian Refugee Crisis on the Jordanian Host Communities”.

AMMAN — Fifteen deputies on Monday requested that Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and the parliaments of Arab and Muslim countries denounce two US congressmen’s participation in breaking into Al Aqsa Mosque.

Deputy Khalil Atiyeh submitted a petition to Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh in this regard.

US congressmen Bill Johnson (R–Ohio) and David McKinley (R-Virginia) joined Jewish extremists in breaking into Al Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces.

AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Industry, in cooperation with the Development and Employment Fund (DEF), are holding a training programme this week on institutionalised support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to a statement issued Monday.

The course, supervised by the Kuwait-based Arab Planning Institute, was inaugurated on Monday by DEF Director General Abdullah Freij, who stressed the pivotal role of SMEs in achieving sustainable development.

AMMAN — Residents of Al Hassa area who are not covered by health insurance will be treated at Al Hassa Military Healthcare Centre, under a Cabinet decision taken on Sunday.

The Council of Ministers also decided to continue exempting the buildings of the Islamic Charity Centre Society from taxes, because it is a nonprofit organisation.

AMMAN — Jordan is witnessing demographic changes as the number of Syrian refugees crossing the border continues to rise, Higher Population Council Secretary General Sawsan Majali said on Monday.

During a meeting with Deputy Wafa Bani Mustafa at the Lower House, Majali said the continuous Syrian refugee influx into the Kingdom has increased burdens on infrastructure and national resources.

The unexpected increase in population will make it difficult for the country to benefit from the demographic opportunity in 2030, when there will be an increase in workforce productivity and a decrease in population dependency.

KARAK — Parents of Karak Secondary School students reportedly assaulted the principal and social counsellor on Monday after a brawl broke out between two students.

Civil Defence Department personnel took the injured school personnel to Karak Public Hospital.

Sabah Nawaiseh, head of the Karak Education Directorate, said classes were suspended to ensure students’ safety.

 Later on Monday, schoolteachers held a sit-in in solidarity with their injured colleagues.

AMMAN — The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company’s (JPMC) administration has reached its limit in acceding to employees’ demands, JPMC Chairman Amer Majali said on Sunday.

Commenting on the ongoing staff strike, Majali said the officially documented restructuring will decide the salary increases and financial benefits, noting that the restructuring measures were agreed upon with the workers and their representatives.

The agreement, he added, allows the company to renege on its promises if the workers refuse to honour their side of the deal and resort to organising strikes.

JPMC CEO Shafiq Al Ashqar expressed the company’s disapproval of the strikers’ demands, as they are calling for cancelling the restructuring regulations.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Nidal Katamine said the workers’ strike is “in violation of the law”.

AMMAN — Yemen wants to benefit from Jordan’s experience in implementing environmental projects, Yemeni Water and Environment Minister Abd Al Salam Razaz said on Monday at a meeting with Environment Minister Taher Shakhshir.

Discussions covered ways to develop cooperation in environmental areas.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday sent a cable to Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika congratulating him on his re-election.

The King stressed his commitment to boosting cooperation with Algeria, expressing his best wishes to the Algerian president and people.

AMMAN — The Council of Deans at the University of Jordan (UJ) on Monday decided to award Prince Walid Bin Talal Al Saud an honorary doctorate in international business for his contributions in the fields of business, economic development, administration, tourism and media.