Domestic affairs a priority amidst regional instability — PM

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Wednesday said unstable regional conditions make it a must that Jordan continue to pay serious attention to its domestic conditions and to work on safeguarding its borders. 

Speaking at a meeting with heads of unions and professional associations, the premier addressed foremost local issues and the repercussions of regional developments on the Kingdom. 

Ensour expressed confidence in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, stressing that the military has been on alert for three years now and this depletes resources. 

Stressing the important role of Jordanian citizens and their awareness, he said Jordan has no reason to worry because citizens’ awareness is the first shield against any threat.

Despite regional developments and the impact of the closure of the northern and eastern borders, the Kingdom’s economic condition is good, said the prime minister, citing a drop in inflation rate by around 1 per cent, coupled with higher reserves at the Central Bank of Jordan.  

The premier also highlighted political reform steps through newly adopted and endorsed legislative bills at the meeting, also attended by Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Khaled Kalaldeh and Legislation and Opinion Bureau President Nofan Ajarmeh.   

With regards to the Palestinian issue, he said there are no signs of a coming breakthrough or close solutions to any of the other regional crises, pointing out that the Palestinian issue is at a stalemate.

Ensour said no steps have been taken to resolve the issue, pointing out that Israel’s procrastination and its policies hinder chances to arrive at a solution to the region’s central and main cause. 

During a recent meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas highlighted the Palestinian conditions and stumbling negotiations, the premier said.

At the meeting, King Abdullah briefed Abbas on his evaluation of the situation of the Palestinian issue and stressed his support for the Palestinians to arrive at a just and viable solution to end the conflict, Ensour told the attendees.