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Safadi, Blinken discuss war on Gaza, development in Syria

Foreign minister, Lebanese counterpart discuss efforts for lasting ceasefire in Lebanon

By - Dec 10,2024 - Last updated at Dec 10,2024

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

The discussions focused on the latest regional developments, including the ongoing efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza, and the situation in Syria,  according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi and Blinken also addressed a range of bilateral issues, reiterating their commitment to boosting cooperation and enhancing the partnership between their countries in various fields.

The two officials also highlighted the importance of a peaceful transition of power in Syria, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. 

They also called for an inclusive political process that protects Syria’s unity, security, and sovereignty while meeting the aspirations of the Syrian people and facilitating the voluntary return of refugees.

Safadi and Blinken underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts in combating terrorism.

Safadi also reiterated Jordan’s condemnation of Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory, calling it a violation of international law and a dangerous escalation.

Also on Tuesday, Safadi held a phone call with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bouhabib to discuss the latest developments in Syria and ongoing efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon.

During the call, Bouhabib updated Safadi on Lebanon's measures to achieve and maintain the ceasefire.

Safadi reiterated Jordan's unwavering support for Lebanon, emphasising the Kingdom's commitment to ensuring the country's security and stability.

 

Canada, Switzerland contribute $2m to Jordan’s education partnership programme

By - Dec 10,2024 - Last updated at Dec 10,2024

Canada and Switzerland pledges $2 million to support Jordan's System Strengthening Partnership Programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Education (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Canada and Switzerland have jointly pledged $2 million to support Jordan's System Strengthening Partnership programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

Canada will contribute $1.5 million, while Switzerland will provide $500,000, with the funding aimed at enhancing Jordan’s education infrastructure and expanding the scope of the ongoing partnership, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

During a meeting with ambassadors from the donor countries, Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah highlighted the crucial role of international partnerships in improving education quality. 

He also expressed gratitude for the support, which helps the ministry work towards creating a progressive and inclusive educational environment.

UNESCO Representative in Jordan Noha Bawazir highlighted the significance of this funding in advancing the country’s efforts to achieve inclusive and equitable education. 

"Investing in education is essential for transformation and will play a pivotal role in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals," she said.

It was also announced that the programme will be extended until 2026, with a focus on improving governance and evidence-based planning to further strengthen the Ministry of Education's national capacity.

King, US president discuss regional developments

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

  • His Majesty reiterates need to safeguard security of Syria, ensure its stability
  • King calls for intensified efforts to stop Israeli war on Gaza, bolster humanitarian response 

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and US President Joe Biden, in a phone call on Monday, discussed the latest regional developments, especially the current situation in Syria. 

His Majesty reiterated the need to safeguard the security of Syria and its citizens, and to act swiftly to ensure stability, a Royal Court statement said. 

The King called for stepping up international efforts to stop the Israeli war on Gaza and ensure the delivery of aid to the Strip, noting the importance of working to ensure the success of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

His Majesty warned of the dangers of extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

 

King discusses regional developments with European Commission president, Cyprus president

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

-His Majesty reaffirms need to safeguard Syria’s security, safety of its citizens
-King calls for ending Israeli war on Gaza, bolstering humanitarian response in Strip

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, in phone calls on Monday, discussed regional developments with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

His Majesty reaffirmed the need to safeguard Syria’s security and the safety of its citizens, and to work effectively to ensure stability, stressing that the security and stability of Syria are essential to regional security and stability, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King called for putting an end to the Israeli war on Gaza, urging the international community to bolster the humanitarian response in the Strip,

His Majesty said the international community must step up efforts to create a political horizon to achieve just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution, the statement said. 

The King also highlighted the importance of exerting all efforts to ensure the success of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Najahna programme empowers over 64,000 youth in Jordan, focuses on gender equality, job creation

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

Plan International’s Country Director Hamida Jahama says that the Najahna Programme, aimed at improving youth economic prospects, has reached over 64,000 young people through grassroots partnerships (Photo By Maria Weldali)

AMMAN — The Najahna Programme, aimed at improving youth economic prospects, has reached over 64,000 young people through grassroots partnerships, with 63 per cent of participants being women.

In her address on Monday at the programme's Extended Strategic Review Group (ESRG) meeting, titled Improving Working Conditions for Jordanian and Syrian Youth in Jordan, Plan International’s Country Director Hamida Jahama highlighted the meeting’s dual focus: showcasing the programme’s achievements and addressing the challenges young people face in empowerment.

“The ESRG meeting, the second of its kind, aims to highlight key achievements from the past period while addressing the barriers to youth empowerment,” Jahama said.

She stressed that the programme integrates various pathways to foster a safe, inclusive environment, ensuring youth are active community members. 

Key achievements included creating 700 jobs in the private sector through project initiatives, offering 20,000 employability skills training opportunities, and providing 40,000 learning opportunities in both formal and non-formal education, she added. 

Jahama also said that the programme works to build strategic partnerships with ministries, civil society organisations, and the private sector. 

“Today's sessions focus on enhancing supportive environments, improving working conditions, and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship through necessary reforms.”

During a discussion on the employment situation in Jordan and the main challenges youth face in accessing decent work, International Labour Organisation (ILO) representative Dahlia Roque shared some statistics, saying, “In Jordan, individuals aged 16 to 30 make up just a quarter of the population currently engaged in work, while 40 per cent of youth are classified as NEET,” with NEET referring to individuals who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training.

Roque highlighted that the employment situation for women and refugees in Jordan is “significantly worse” compared with other countries in the region. 

"About 27 per cent of Jordanian women and 16 per cent of Syrian women participate in the labour force. However, 79 per cent of Jordanian women and 82 per cent of Syrian women are seeking employment rather than working.”

The ESRG meeting is part of an ongoing effort to involve young people in participatory planning and develop policy recommendations aimed at improving working conditions for Jordanian and Syrian youth. 

The event amplified youth voices by encouraging meaningful discussions with key decision-makers and experts. 

The ESRG also tackled critical labour market issues, including gender-based discrimination, informal labour, wage disparities, and poor working conditions.

Funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF), the five-year Najahna programme (2022-2026) is implemented by five consortium partners: Plan International (PI), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Danish Industry (DI), the Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS), and Includovate.

Focused on Syrian refugees and conflict-impacted youth aged 12 to 25, the programme operates in Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Mafraq, and the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps, aiming to promote economic development, create sustainable livelihoods, and break down barriers to social and economic participation for these youth.

In 2024, 50 participants in the programme’s Gig Economy Training secured income-generating activities within three months. Meanwhile, 36 Najahna-supported businesses created 226 jobs in 2024, with 20 female-owned businesses and 17 Syrian-owned businesses contributing to the employment opportunities.

Najahna adopts a gender-transformative approach, addressing the root causes of gender inequality and reshaping unequal gender and power dynamics. 

The programme is research-based and aims to secure stable, flexible labour markets by connecting private sector stakeholders with social partners.

The meeting featured two-panel discussions emphasising the importance of creating inclusive and safe work environments for youth, particularly young women, in Jordan’s formal sector. Participants underscored the need for workplace protections and skills training to help young women fully and equitably engage in the workforce.

The ESRG meeting brought together policymakers, national experts, civil society actors, and youth to advance these critical conversations.

‘Demand for Jordanian dinar strong, boosted by tourism, remittances’

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

Secretary General of the Jordanian Exchange Association Alaa Diraniyeh says on Tuesday that the demand for the Jordanian dinar has remained strong throughout the year, driven partly by a surge in domestic and regional tourism (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Secretary General of the Jordanian Exchange Association Alaa Diraniyeh said on Tuesday that the demand for the Jordanian dinar has remained strong throughout the year, driven partly by a surge in domestic and regional tourism.

Diraniyeh stressed that both inbound and outbound remittances have increased by 3 per cent compared with previous years, reflecting the positive impact of tourism on the local currency exchange market, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Diraniyeh also expressed optimism for a more robust market recovery in early 2024, fueled by regional and international developments. 

He also pointed to the potential effects of declining European currencies and the ongoing rise in U.S. dollar interest rates on the exchange market.

Diraniyeh also said that local commercial activity has been subdued this year due to the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, expressing hope that markets will regain momentum, especially if trade activity resumes between Jordan and Syria, which serves as Jordan's gateway to Turkey and Europe.

Army foils drug smuggling attempt using drone on western frontier

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

AMMAN — The Southern Military Zone on Monday thwarted a drug smuggling attempt, involving a drone along its western frontier within its area of responsibility.

A military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) said that "Border Guard forces in the Southern Military Zone applied the rules of engagement after detecting and tracking the drone, which was dealt with and brought down inside Jordanian territory.

The seized items were handed over to relevant authorities, according to a JAF statement. 

The source stressed that JAF remains committed to utilising their various capabilities and resources to prevent all forms of infiltration and smuggling, ensuring the security and stability of the Kingdom.

 

Prime minister reiterates Kingdom’s support to Syrians, their right to determine future

He says gov't works to ensure safety, facilitate return of citizens from Syria

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday reaffirms the Kingdom's solidarity with the Syrian people and their right to determine their future (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday reiterated Jordan's unwavering stance on developments in Syria, reaffirming the Kingdom's solidarity with the Syrian people and their right to determine their future.

During a Lower House session, Hassan stressed that Jordan’s position, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, has remained consistent since the Syrian crisis began over 13 years ago, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

“Our stance is deeply rooted and not merely a reaction to recent events,” he said, highlighting Jordan’s long-standing call for a political solution that alleviates Syrian suffering, preserves Syria’s territorial integrity, and ensures stability and sovereignty.

The prime minister also highlighted Jordan’s significant support for Syrians over the years, earning global recognition for its humanitarian efforts. 

He also stressed that Syria’s security and stability are vital for Jordan and the wider Arab region.

“We look forward to a new chapter where Syria can move past years of violence, conflict, and the challenges posed by terrorism, drug smuggling, and militias, whose impacts have reached Jordan,” he said.

Hassan also commended the decisive actions of the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies in countering these threats, reiterating their commitment to protect the country’s security, people, and interests.

Regarding Jordanians currently in Syria, the premier said that the government, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and relevant institutions, was actively working to ensure their safety and facilitate their return.

Byzantine monastic diet, practices revealed at Deir ‘Ain ‘Abata

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

Lot's Church, north aisle and cave entrance from west (Photo courtesy of ACOR)

AMMAN — During his long and successful career, Greek archaeologist Konstantinos Politis studied the southern Ghor and the site Deir ‘Ain ‘Abata, on the southern tip of the Dead Sea.

 The site is known for the Byzantine monastic complex with a basilical church dedicated to St Lot, mentioned in the Bible, flanked by a large reservoir to the south and a refectory and pilgrim’s hotel to the north. 

The complex had agricultural terraces irrigated by water channels from the reservoir. The principle of monastic self-sufficiency was met at the site and remains of plants and animal bones were studied by researchers,

"Studies conducted on the plant remains and animal bones from the archaeological excavations provided the first scientific evidence regarding the dietary practices of monks and pilgrims, as well as the wider early Byzantine community in the Holy Land during the 5th to 7th centuries AD," Politis said.

The fact that meat consumption was high supports the theory that the monastery catered for pilgrims and the sick (this was evident in the human remains as well) since ascetic monks were normally vegetarian, Politis elaborated.

He added that these studies have shown that horses, donkeys, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, roe and fallow deer, foxes, hares, domestic fowl, partridges, quails, stone curlews, rock/stock and palm-doves, lark vultures, parrot fish, groupers and some smaller freshwater fish, probably from the local spring, were consumed on the site. 

"The botanical finds identified include olives, dates, bitter vetch, grapes, apricots, lentils, barley, bread wheat and cucumbers and/or melons. These results revealed that the community living at Deir ‘Ain ‘Abata had a relatively rich diet of domestic and wild species of plants, animals and fish, some of which were imported, at considerable expense, from as far away as the Mediterranean and the Red Sea," Politis elaborated.

The plant remains at Deir ‘Ain ‘Abata can be grouped into two distinct categories: those containing mostly cereal and legume taxa crop items and those only containing fruits (mostly olives) at low rates. 

"Cereals are present in 50 per cent of the samples. Hulled barley, Hordeum sativum, is the numerically dominant cereal type. As well as being a highly productive and easily processed crop, barley is attractive because of its wide ecological tolerances," Politis said.

The archaeologist added that it can be cultivated on both heavy and light soils and can withstand drought and saline conditions, would have been beneficial in the harsh environment of the Ghor es-Safi. 

Of the wheats, free-threshing bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the most abundant. Characteristically this type of wheat has high yields and produces strong flour (resulting in good quality bread). The faba bean (Vicia faba) is numerically the most dominant legume crop. 

"Fruits occur in 90 per cent of samples. As olives are present in this 90 per cent there is some basis for interpreting the economic significance of the taxon. The olive pits are mostly whole and may therefore represent discard from fruit consumption rather than oil production," he said. 

Remains of dates are present in 50 per cent of samples and provide evidence of fruit consumption and its wood can be used for construction, leaf bases make good fuel and the fibres can be used to produce rope," Politis pointed out, adding that date trees can withstand saline soil conditions, and in fact, they thrive when irrigated with brackish water.

According to historical sources, Christian monks should have been vegetarian, but on a pilgrimage site such as the Monastery of St Lot, visitors would leave evidence whether or not they, too, were vegetarian. 

The overwhelming evidence provided by the faunal remains is that they were not, Politis explained, adding that large quantities of meat from wild and domesticated species, fish, poultry and eggs were regularly eaten. 

"The reliance on cereal crops at the site can be accessed from the evidence provided by the grain itself: bread wheat, emmer wheat and hulled barley. In addition, there is much crop-processing waste, as well as bread-ovens and fuel on the site," the archaeologist said. 

"The cereal part of the diet was supplemented by beans, peas and lentils. It is problematic, however, to establish precisely which refuse represents food eaten by the monks and which reflects the pilgrims’ diet," Politis added.

 It is unlikely that the pilgrims would bring large quantities of perishable meat, fish and dairy products with them, but dried foods might have provided sustenance on the journey. 

"It is possible that the monks might have remained on a vegetarian diet but arranged to provide a wider range of food for the visitors," Politis concluded.

Social development minister discusses women’s political participation at UN Women session

By - Dec 09,2024 - Last updated at Dec 09,2024

AMMAN — Minister of Social Development and Chair of the Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa has participated in a session on women and decision-making with UN Women, held as part of the high-level executive meeting in Muscat. 

The session focused on the progress made since the announcement of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Bani Mustafa stressed the Kingdom's political will to enhance women’s political participation, which has been reflected in the outcomes of the Royal Committee for Modernising the Political System. 

The minister highlighted key legislative achievements, including the amendment to Article 6 of the Constitution, which guarantees women’s empowerment and support, ensuring their active role in building society with equal opportunities and protection from violence and discrimination.

She also referred to the Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment’s focus on implementing the Royal Committee’s outcomes through various activities targeting women, youth, and people with disabilities.

Bani Mustafa underscored the importance of recent amendments to the elections and political parties laws, which have increased women’s political representation. 

The minister said that the percentage of women in the 20th Lower House has risen to 19.6 per cent, up from 11.5 per cent, and women’s representation in the Senate reached 14.5 per cent, noting that the percentage of female voters in the 2024 elections surpassed that of male voters.

She discussed the launch of the "You are half the country" campaign, an initiative aimed at boosting women’s political participation and raising awareness about key legislative changes such as the Elections Law, the Political Parties Law, and provisions related to violence against women in public life.

Bani Mustafa stressed that engaging women in political life is essential for addressing social issues, as women in decision-making positions prioritise the concerns of their communities. 

The minister added that studies show that female legislators are more attuned to societal needs and responsive to the demands of their constituencies.

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