National Security Council a ‘safety valve’ — PM

AMMAN — A draft amendment to Article 26 of the Constitution regarding the unification of the state general budget and the budgets of independent government units does not affect the independence of the Central Bank of Jordan, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh said on Thursday.

Speaking during a Senate session on the constitutional amendments,  Khasawneh stressed the need to unify the state general budget and the budgets of independent government units, noting that the process has started but has not been completed yet, the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

On the National Security Council, the premier said that the council shall not impact the “clear” remits listed in the Constitution chapter related to the King’s authorities, including declaration of war, reaching peace and ratifying treaties and agreements.

The National Security Council would be a “safety valve”, Khasawneh said, stressing that the council will convene in a state of necessity to make sure that no partisan considerations affect the national issues.