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AMMAN — Teachers on Thursday decided to end their nationwide strike in compliance with a court verdict ordering its suspension, but said they would start another open-ended work stoppage on Sunday should the government refuse to meet their demands.  

The Jordan Teachers Association (JTA) announced on Thursday the withdrawal of the decision it made on September 7 under which the full strike was launched, in obedience to the Supreme Administrative Court's verdict that ordered an "immediate" suspension of the strike.

The Administrative Court issued a ruling on Sunday, ordering an "immediate" suspension of teachers' nationwide strike, which began on September 8 following a lawsuit filed by parents. But the JTA insisted that the strike is legal and that the Administrative Court's ruling is not abiding, as it can be challenged.
However, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled on Wednesday that contesting the verdict does not require stopping its implementation unless the court orders otherwise.

The JTA announced on Thursday the withdrawal of the legal challenge it logged against both courts’ verdicts on the strike. 

Meanwhile, JTA Spokesperson Nouriddin Nadim said that the strike will be suspended until Saturday night, and to be resumed on Sunday if the government responds negatively to their “irreversible” demands of an apology and recognition of a 50-per cent pay raise.

“The government has until Saturday night to show positive steps towards meeting our demands or we will start a new strike on Sunday,” Nadim told The Jordan Times.

The JTA has requested an apology from the government for the way it handled the sit-in they staged in Amman on September 5, during which the syndicate claimed its members were subject to violations.

“The ball is now in the government’s court,” Nadim said.

Following is the full text of His Majesty King Abdullah’s remarks at the 16th annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Russia, on Thursday:

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

My dear friend, President Putin,

My brothers, presidents of Azerbaijan, of Kazakhstan and the Philippines,

Your Excellencies:

Thank you all for your warm welcome. I am delighted to be back in Russia and see so many friends, including my dear friend for almost 20 years, President Putin. Mr President, you have been a great supporter of the future of my region, and I thank you for your steadfast partnership with Jordan.

Indeed, today, Russia's role is pivotal in multiple regions and arenas — in economic, security and diplomatic matters, and the interfaith relations that are so vital to the future. And that is the unique importance of the Valdai Discussion Club; your forum has built a world reputation, not only for tackling serious global issues, but for opening your doors to Russia's partners. It is a pleasure to join the dialogue here today.

My friends,

In 2009, Jordan was chosen as the site of Valdai's first-ever Middle East conference to discuss issues of the day and the region’s future.

Now, that was 10 years ago, and as you know, these past 10 years have brought quite a few new issues to talk about. But some realities are constant.

Jordan and Russia continue to share a deep understanding of the need for active, practical collaboration to achieve regional and global peace.

Jordan and Russia also remain committed to the core values that bind us all together, and acting on them is the most important weapon we have against extremism and division.

And Jordan and Russia continue to seek a peaceful, stable Middle East.

My region's strategic complexity defines our challenges, but also our opportunities. We have a role in achieving any positive new world order. This is Jordan's outward vision for inclusive, sustainable growth, despite regional turmoil. Our country's stability and moderation, and our globally-connected, highly motivated young population, have helped us build partnerships worldwide.

Our partners also share our critical interest in resolving crises in the Middle East — the extremist threat, the Syrian crisis, and above all, the denial of Palestinian statehood.These are not simply regional issues; they are global.

In Syria, ISIS has experienced major defeats. Negotiated ceasefires have brought a significant break in the violence. And Jordan has worked closely alongside Russia, the US, and other international partners to stabilise the situation in southern Syria. We continue to bear a massive refugee burden, alleviating the impact on other regions, but the refugee situation remains costly and dire.

The end to this crisis will come only with a political solution, one that preserves Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and enables the safe and voluntary return of refugees. Jordan supports the Geneva Process and complementary initiatives, especially the Astana Process, in accord with UN resolutions. And results would not be possible without Russia's role.

Next, the terrorist threat. Regional victories against the khawarej, the outlaws of Islam, should not blind us to the long-term and global nature of this challenge. The threat, not just from the khawarej, but from Islamophobic and racist extremists as well, is a danger to every region. In the Aqaba Process and other initiatives, Jordan is working with countries from Asia to Africa to Europe to meet the threat within a holistic approach. And above all, we need to ensure young people have hope.

The subject of hope brings me to the core crisis of our region and the world, and that is the denial of a Palestinian state. Jordan and Russia agree on the urgent need for a two-state solution. Our region will not enjoy broad security and stability until the Palestinian-Israeli conflict ends. And that cannot happen without a two-state solution that provides real peace, in accord with international law and UN resolutions; an end to the conflict; a viable, independent, sovereign Palestinian state, on the June 4th, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital,but living side-by-side with Israel, in mutual peace and security.

A deep and shared concern for all of us is safeguarding Jerusalem, its holy sites, and the historic Muslim and Christian presence in the city. Through the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites, Jordan is working to maintain peace and defuse tensions. But all countries have an obligation to honour the Holy City’s heritage by making it a unifying city of peace.

My friends,

After 70 years, it is clear that peace in the Holy Land cannot be achieved by unilateral fiat or violence; it cannot be imposed by land grabs and walls against one's neighbours; it cannot come by flouting international law and equal human rights. And the alternative to a two-state solution is a bi-national state and an unthinkable, undemocratic regime of unequal laws. We need to take a better, more effective path. And that is something we all have a vital role in delivering.

Ten years ago, when Valdai held its first meeting on the Middle East, the theme of the conference was "The Middle East 2020: Is a Comprehensive Settlement Possible?"

And my answer today is yes; despite all the difficulties, comprehensive peace is possible — and not only possible, but necessary. But it will only happen with your help.

Let me wish the Valdai Discussion Club the best of success. And thank you for the leadership on the critical issues of our time.

AMMAN — The third batch of reimbursements for traders who incurred damages during last winter’s floods in downtown Amman are set aside and “ready”, but are awaiting the finalisation of legal procedures before they can be allocated, according to Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) President Khalil Hajj Tawfiq. 

This was in response to statements made by local news outlets that the reimbursement had been postponed which was “misleading”, as the date has not yet been set for distribution, Tawfiq told the Jordan Times on the phone on Thursday. 

Tawfiq said the first batch was distributed to over 150 traders and amounted to no more than JD1.5 million, and the second batch was issued to 22 traders. 

The ACC will be responsible for dispensing the final amount, Tawfiq told The Jordan Times last month, noting that the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) has tasked officers from its financial team to expedite the process of reviewing the traders’ files.

In mid-August, GAM and the ACC pledged to reimburse the traders with a total of JD3 million; JD2 million of which would be supplied by GAM, and the remaining amount by the ACC.

In March, heavy rain flooded downtown Amman and caused “extensive damage”, prompting citizens to express their frustration over the country’s “poor” infrastructure.

At the time of the incident, GAM said that “unprecedented” rainfall had led to soil erosion in the capital’s Jabal Al Joufeh area and manhole closures in Quraish Street in downtown Amman.

AMMAN — Amman Design Week kicks off on Friday, unleashing a year of preparations by artists, architects and designers.

The exhibition is opened with a landscape of “waterless gardens”, a display structured by Bahraini and Lebanese artists who based it on their imagination of what the Levant’s gardens would look like using the most found soils of the region.

The event is held at the Ras Al Ain Hangar and has 206 exhibitioners, with locations in Jabal Amman and Jabal Luweibdeh as well.

From the Amman Design Institute, Fatima Katanani, a pharmacist who designs as a hobby, told The Jordan Times that she and others have been mentored by “the best in the business, people who have worked for big names such as Victoria Beckham”.

Local design groups such as Dezain, which has 120 “innovative” Jordanian designers, display their work in the clothes, jewellery and stationary sector. 

Some groups like The Good Socks set aside a percentage of their sales to donate meals to underprivileged families.

The week is centred around four emerging themes: Material research, territorial explorations, narratives of the city and weaving. 

From loose gravel to jameed, the artists explore new materials and designs to fit this year’s theme, “possibilities”.

In the student exhibition, Jude Abu Ghuneim, a GJU graduate, narrates the story of Baqoura and Ghumar. From using pictures extracted from old archives to visiting the sites herself, Abu Ghuneim tells the history of the two areas.

“I just found it very interesting and very relative to the current political climate. Under the theme of ‘possibilities’, I would like people to imagine what the future of these two areas will look like, not just the past,” she said. 

The event  anticipated over 100,000 attendees, with 206 exhibitioners, 50 speakers, 19 music and art performances and 149 “unique” events scheduled to take place.

The Jordan Script Routes, an “exploratory and playful” series of installations that feature the history of Jordan in relation to its neighbours, will showcase work to promote an “inclusive” Jordan through the various writing systems and alphabets that have passed through or were invented in the Kingdom.

Paying tribute to the environment, Future Food/Future City is an open-air demonstration of an imagined future for the city’s public spaces, and a reexamined illustration of how various city spots can be turned into green spaces.

AMMAN — A graduation ceremony was held in Amman on Thursday for nine young men and women who successfully completed a barista (coffee-making) training programme — part of a joint project by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Dar Abu Abdallah (DAA). 

The programme provides vocational training for around 230 youth from across country who are living in poverty and receive food assistance from DAA’s sister organisation Tkiyet Um Ali, according to a WFP statement. The training supports 18- to 24-year-olds in their transition to adulthood by giving them skills that will help them find jobs, gain confidence and become independent.  

As well as learning how to make a perfect cappuccino, the new baristas also learned about coffee types, coffee recipes, different production techniques and customer service during their month-long course. 

“I feel so proud of myself. It’s my first step in my adult life,” said 19-year-old Sara. 

Another participant, 22-year-old Diana Sabbagh, said she found a new confidence to communicate with customers and colleagues, especially within a work environment that includes both men and women. 

Director General of DAA Samer Balkar said that the training approach was designed to be comprehensive. 

“It’s a complete training cycle for the participants – providing them with both soft skills and technical skills to start a career, while also helping to meet the needs of Jordan’s labour market,” Balkar said.

Sarah Gordon-Gibson, WFP’s country director and representative in Jordan, told the group that they represent the future. 

“Jordan is such a young country and one of WFP’s objectives is to invest in young people, equipping them with knowledge and skills that will help them to find work and support themselves,” she said. 

In addition to the barista training, other groups of young men and women are being trained in butchery, kitchen management, dessert making and cooking. They also learn more general life skills to prepare them for employment, including how to present themselves at an interview — a small detail that can make a big difference — their chances of finding a job.    

 Courses are already under way in Amman, Jerash and Irbid governorates. Further courses will be held in Karak, Mafraq, Zarqa, Balqa and Aqaba during the next month.

Meanwhile, newly skilled baristas Diana and Sara are contemplating their future — both eventually want to set up their own business. 

“I dream of becoming an entrepreneur... so I can help people like me find a job and a future,” Sabbagh said. 

AMMAN — In line with the Jordanian-Italian Development Cooperation Framework for 2017-2019, the Sector Budget Support Programme intends to sustain the Government of Jordan to implement the “National Human Resources Development Strategy 2016-2025”, according to an Italian embassy statement.

The programme is “fully aligned” with its objectives, targets and performance indicators, addressing gender equality and improved access for people with disabilities, in addition to providing increased access for Syrian and other refugees in Jordan.

Contributing up to 85 million euros to the Jordanian State Budget, the programme seeks to fall in line with the sector-based development approach to contextualise development partners’ support into an “organic and logically consistent” approach, said the statement.

The two main areas of support agreed upon by Jordan and Italy were Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Rationale for giving priority to the financing of the ECED arises from shared recognition that a key challenge the education system in Jordan faces is the low access to quality ECED services, which leads to inadequate school readiness, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including Syrian refugee children.

Expanding access and ensuring quality in kindergartens are likely to strengthen Jordanian and non-Jordanian students’ abilities to learn and succeed in school, as well as enhancing school performance, lowering repetition and dropout rates and improving outcomes in the labour market, read the statement.

While assigning priority to TVET funding is based on the understanding that further economic expansion and social cohesion are interconnected with the development of a knowledge-based society that is able to compete internationally and cope with regional crises, according to the statement.

Developing an advanced system of TVET responds to the need for a qualified workforce in productive sectors with the aim of driving growth and job creation, especially in the tourism sector.

The programme aims to work in sync with the other initiatives supported by the Italian Cooperation in Jordan to cultivate responsible and sustainable tourism and cultural and natural heritage conservation, areas in which Italy has an “incomparable added value in terms of best practices, technical skills and advanced qualified competences”, the statement concluded.

AMMAN — The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on Thursday announced the launch of 18 e-services at a press conference in Amman as a part of a sustainable development and service standards upgrade.

“All our actions are within a clear programme which enhances GAM’s credibility,” said Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh.

Shawarbeh said that GAM started turning to e-services as a part of the national project to allow citizens to access GAM’s services instantly and achieve their paperwork within minutes, in addition to achieving neutrality, transparency and speed in decision making.

Shawarbeh expressed GAM’s pride in its achievements dating back to January 1, 2018, noting that this “turning point” stands against corruption in all its forms through the positive employment of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to bring about “a true change”.

The mayor added that 3.5 million electronic transactions were recorded during the past year and a half, noting that electronic platforms are safe and aim at serving citizens.

“The reengineering of procedures is the phase that precedes the transition process, and 87 per cent has been  completed so far,”  Shawarbeh noted.

The e-services will enhance the effectiveness of service delivery to the public, which includes building permits that can be followed up from anywhere, reviewing taxes using GAM’s website, controlling landfills and many other services, the head of the Information Technology Department at GAM, Sultan Kharabshe, said.

“We reconstructed 26 paperwork procedures into 18 e-services,” Kharabshe added.

The press conference was also attended by Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Muthana Gharaibeh and representatives of the Jordanian Construction Contractors Association and the Jordan Engineers Association.  

AMMAN — Under the patronage of HRH Princes Muna, a conference focusing on Italian mental healthcare models as well as reforming mental health systems in the region was held at the Dead Sea on Wednesday. 

The conference titled “Boosting Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents, a Regional Perspective” was organised by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Thursday. 

Deputising for the princess, Health Minister Saad Jaber said the conference will be a platform of several specialisations for experts to discuss the means to present mental healthcare services to children and teenagers in order to boost their mental health.

This should limit mental health problems and bridge the treatment gap, thus reducing the burdens of mental disorders for the targeted segment, he added. 

Jaber said that Jordan signed the UN agreement to protect children and adolescents, especially in the field of mental healthcare, noting that half of mental health problems generally start at the age of 14. 

The ministry adopted a set of measures to improve mental health services by merging them with primary healthcare in 2008, Petra cited the minister as saying, adding that he voiced appreciation of the AICS for its consistent support. 

For his part, Italian Ambassador to Jordan Fabio Cassese said that the early years of childhood are more important for growth and future health than any other period in life. 

He also noted that protecting the nation’s health is a shared responsibility, and that Italy supports the mental healthcare system in Jordan through different programmes. 

The two-day conference highlighted the importance of language in healthcare services, showing how negative communication could lead individuals to isolate themselves, whereas positive reinforcement could bring compassion and hope, Petra reported. 

AMMAN — HRH Princess Basma on Wednesday opened the 12th conference for the international society for nerve and skeletal system reconstruction.

In her opening address for the three-day conference, the princess highlighted the importance of experts’ efforts to find solutions for neurological conditions and alleviate the suffering of patients, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Princess Basma also stressed the importance of “the patient’s willingness to live with an illness and overcome its psychological impact”, sharing the story of the late Aya Aghabi who launched the “Accessible Jordan” initiative despite her illness, to better equip public places with facilities for patients with neurological conditions. 

AMMAN — The Centre for Defending the Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) on Thursday voiced its dismay at the alleged assault on Roya News while it covered a Jordan Teachers Association (JTA) event earlier that day.

CDFJ CEO Nidal Mansour said: “We know the assault on Roya News does not reflect the position of the JTA,” noting that the syndicate “clearly condemned the incident as an individual act that does not represent it”, according to a CDFJ statement.

Mansour called on the JTA council to raise awareness among its members of the importance of allowing media institutions to cover events “fairly and objectively”, regardless of their views.