Jordan is one tribe, my tribe — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday thanked lawmakers for their efforts during the extraordinary session, a Royal Court statement said.

During the session, the House endorsed a number of legislations to improve the judicial system, after the government made changes to or introduced 16 laws, responding to recommendations by the Royal Committee for Developing the Judiciary and Enhancing the Rule of Law.

At a meeting with Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh, members of the House Permanent Bureau and heads of committees, His Majesty stressed the importance of coordination between the Chamber and the government.

The legislative performance during the last session was within the expected level, the King said, stressing that improving the performance of committees serves the overall mission of the legislature.

During the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty pointed out the significance of the upcoming municipal and local governorate councils elections, slated for August 15. He said the polls will ensure people’s involvement in decision making concerning developmental priorities through electing governorate councils.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah outlined the challenges currently faced regarding the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem.

In this regard, the Monarch said there would be no breakthrough in the peace process without a US push for a solution.

He stressed that without the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s holy places and support for Jerusalemites, the shrines "would have been lost years ago".

The future of the Palestinian cause is at stake and applying solutions is becoming increasingly difficult.

The King and the MPs also discussed the assault against a police patrol in Maan, 220km south of Amman, on Saturday. His Majesty stressed the importance of observing the rule of law and applying it to all indiscriminately. Security agencies, he reiterated, are “ a red-line” that should not be crossed. 

“All have to look at Jordan as one tribe; Jordan is my tribe”, the King concluded.