Cabinet taskforces examining general pardon, state lands files

AMMAN — Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson Jumana Ghunaimat said that the Prime Minister Omar Razzaz has instructed concerned officials to study the draft of general pardon law and a proposal to delegate zoned Treasury lands for residential purposes to citizens.

Ghunaimat said in a press statement, carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra on Thursday, that the government will include the two previous issues in its plan for the next two years, adding that the government will announce the detailed plans following the Speech from the Throne after opening the ordinary session of the Parliament, which is expected before the end of the year.

Ghunaimat explained that the prime minister formed a ministerial committee, headed by Minister of Justice Awad Abu Jarad along with Minister of Finance Ezzeddine Kanakrieh and Minister of State for Legal Affairs Mubarak Abu Yamin, to study the legal, technical and financial aspects of a proposed general pardon, a request made by lawmakers and citizens.

She added that the “general pardon” committee is due to submit a final report to the prime minister by the end of next week.

She also pointed out that the prime minister formed a committee, headed by the Minister of Public Works and Housing Yahya Kisbi along with Minister of Transport and Municipal Affairs Walid Masri and the Minister of Finance Ezzeddine Kanakrieh, to follow up on the file of Treasury lands, excluding forest lands, in accordance with specific criteria and conditions to ensure justice and prevent future attacks on state-owned lands.

Ghunaimat said that the committee is expected to accomplish its task within two weeks.