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AMMAN — Deputising for Senate President Faisal Fayez, Chairman of the Senate's Health, Environment and Population Committee Senator Yassin Hasban has recently inaugurated the second National Conference on HIV Response and Reproductive and Sexual Health. 

The conference highlighted critical challenges and fostered aspirations for addressing reproductive health and HIV-related issues in Jordan.

President of the Sawaed Tagheer Centre Abdullah Hanatleh emphasised the conference's goal to address pressing challenges while celebrating progress, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. 

The Sawaed Tagheer Centre is a Jordanian civil society organisation dedicated to promoting health and social development. With a focus on reproductive and sexual health, the centre works to combat stigma and discrimination, empower youth, and provide vital community support.

Hanatleh underscored the need to boost partnerships, expand services, and provide accurate information through reliable channels. 

He said that stigma and cultural barriers continue to hinder awareness and demand for essential reproductive health and HIV services.

Highlighting the intersection of reproductive health and HIV, Hanatleh called for urgent action to integrate HIV services with broader reproductive health initiatives, enhance risk-reduction strategies related to drug use, and accelerate the adoption of rapid and self-testing mechanisms.

He also announced the launch of the annual “We Are All Positive” campaign, encouraging collective efforts to dismantle structural barriers to knowledge, services, and rights. 

Hamir Abdul-Mughni, representing the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), stressed that eliminating HIV is both a human rights imperative and a cornerstone of sustainable development. 

He acknowledged Jordan's exemplary position as one of the countries with the lowest HIV prevalence and called for regional collaboration to enhance prevention and treatment programmes. 

The two-day conference featured specialised sessions with international and local experts who addressed topics such as modern prevention methodologies, treatment advancements, and strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination. 

The discussions aimed to enhance partnerships and progress in reproductive and sexual health awareness, ultimately improving access to quality services.

This conference served as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective national response to HIV and reproductive health challenges, according to the statement.

AMMAN — Jordan on Monday assumed the presidency of the 15th session of the Arab Ministerial Council on Electricity, marking a pivotal moment for regional energy collaboration.

The handover occurred on Monday during a ceremony organised by the Arab League in Egypt, according to a statement for The Jordan Times.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh stressed the urgency of adapting to global shifts in electricity production and consumption, highlighting the need to move from traditional power grids to smart grids, expand regional and international interconnections, and prioritise renewable energy over fossil fuels.

Kharabsheh urged Arab countries to use their natural resources to position the region as a key player in the global energy transition, stressing the importance of completing ongoing interconnection projects, increasing electricity trade among Arab countries and moving towards a joint Arab electricity market linked to global networks.

He highlighted the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to enhance energy interconnectivity with neighbouring countries, mainly increasing energy exchange capacity with Egypt, developing new interconnection points with Iraq and Palestine, and advancing joint projects with Saudi Arabia.

Focusing on Jordan's rapid adoption of renewable energy, the minister noted that over the past decade, the share of renewable energy in the Kingdom's electricity mix has increased from less than 1 per cent in 2014 to 27 per cent in 2024. 

By 2030, Jordan aims to exceed a share of 30 per cent through investments in advanced energy storage technologies, including a 450-megawatt, seven-hour pumped storage hydroelectric project.

The minister also outlined ongoing efforts to modernise Jordan's electricity grid by incorporating smart systems and improving infrastructure to support the transition to electric transport.

Kharabsheh highlighted Jordan's commitment to becoming a regional hub for green hydrogen, noting that the ministry has developed a comprehensive national strategy to guide the implementation of green hydrogen projects and attract international investment.

Jordan has signed 14 memoranda of understanding and a framework agreement with global and local companies to explore investment opportunities, he noted, adding that the government is working with an international consultancy to establish a sustainable infrastructure model that benefits all stakeholders.

The Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity's agenda features several pressing issues, including encouraging local manufacturing of electrical equipment in Arab countries, exploring new methods of power generation, using nuclear power for seawater desalination, promoting green hydrogen initiatives and improving energy efficiency across the region.

•Hassan reaffirms government’s commitment to national consensus on political modernisation framework

•Premier says primary aim of political modernisation is to boost role of Lower House

•PM stresses vital role of Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, security agencies

•'Jordan will continue to support Palestine by every means possible to end occupation, lift injustice faced by its brotherly people'

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan presented the government's policy statement to the Lower House on Sunday during a session chaired by House Speaker Ahmad Safadi.

The statement, presented as part of the government's bid for a vote of confidence, outlined a comprehensive vision for the development and modernisation of the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national consensus on the political modernisation framework, which represents a central milestone in establishing a comprehensive and responsible Jordanian democratic model.

He added that the primary aim of political modernisation is to boost "the role of this constitutional institution in which we stand, fortify its structure, and enhance the role of its parties and members."

One of the key pillars of implementing the Constitution is the balanced sharing of responsibilities among authorities, based on the principle of separation of powers, he said.

The premier stressed that the government’s political approach is "rooted in sincere and candid dialogue" that recognises differences, avoids escalating disputes, and rejects superficial solutions to challenges, adding that this dialogue is inclusive, non-marginalising, accepting of others, and aims to build possible consensus within the framework of national programmes.

He also stressed the vital role of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) and security agencies, describing them as the first schools for instilling values of loyalty, selflessness, and courage, adding that their significant contribution to the nation’s development and its sectors throughout Jordan’s history is "unparalleled".

As directed by His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of JAF, the government’s support for the army and security agencies is "unwavering and remains a top priority, ensuring Jordan’s protection from regional volatility, senseless wars, and enemies of moderation, wisdom, and reason."

On Palestine, Hassan reiterated its status as Jordan’s central cause.

"Jordan will continue to support Palestine by every means possible to end the occupation, lift the injustice faced by its brotherly people, and fulfil their legitimate rights, foremost among them the right to freedom and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state on the June 4 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital," the prime minister stressed.

He underscored the Kingdom’s unrelenting efforts to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza and address the humanitarian catastrophe there, while confronting illegal Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank that undermine all prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.

The prime minister reiterated His Majesty’s clear stance: "Jordan will never be a substitute homeland for anyone. It is the homeland of Jordanians that will remain steadfast, proud, and strong with the resolve of its people and the wisdom of our Hashemite leadership."

"Jordan will remain the voice of truth and just peace, leveraging the solid international relations cultivated by King Abdullah to serve our national interests and Arab and Islamic causes. Jordan will rally global support for Palestinian rights, warn of the catastrophic consequences of the continued violation of these rights, and call for an end to the double standards in applying international law."

He stressed the rule of law as the tool to promote social justice, rejecting compromises or appeasement policies at the expense of the law and citizens' rights, safety, and well-being.

The prime minister added that the government’s programme is focused on steadfastly advancing comprehensive political, economic, and administrative modernisation, which is the state’s project for the future.

"There is no room for hesitation, delay, or recycling of plans and decisions; time is pressing," Hassan added.

On education, the prime minister emphasised that Jordan’s strength has always been rooted in education, and the future lies in equipping young people with skills and qualifications. "Our aim is to build an educational system that produces competencies, not merely certificates."

The premier highlighted ongoing development efforts in Amman, ensuring the capital remains a "vibrant beacon for Jordan, rich in heritage, diversity, and cultural legacy."

He pointed out that government’s programmes are fundamentally designed for youth, ensuring better opportunities for them to become stronger, more capable, and more efficient than the current generation, building a greater Jordan as the nation enters its second centennial.

"Many warned me against raising expectations too high, but I firmly believe that our ambitions must match the remarkable journey of this great country and the aspirations of its generous people. Jordan deserves the highest expectations, and this government is not here to manage expectations but to work tirelessly to unleash potential and realise ambitions," Hassan noted.

The prime minister added that the government has laid out its programmes with "utmost realism and responsibility," aiming to deliver tangible results and be held accountable. 

"Our task will not be easy, but we will neither falter nor hesitate. We will work with all our power to ensure Jordan’s greatness remains perpetual."

He said that at the top of major schemes is the National Water Carrier, the third-largest water project in the region, where the government is proceeding with its implementation through plans to sign the financial closure agreement next year, paving the way for execution to begin before the end of the year. 

The prime minister said that the project is expected to be completed within four years, aiming to supply 300 million cubic metres of desalinated water from Aqaba to enhance water security.

Hassan said that studies on green hydrogen and green ammonia production will be completed within the next two years, alongside the development of a roadmap for their use and production. 

Current programmes include tenders for solar power projects with a capacity of 200 megawatts in 2026 and wind power projects with a capacity of 100 megawatts in 2027, Hassan pointed out, adding that these projects aim to increase renewable energy capacity to 3,000 megawatts by the end of 2027, accounting for 28 per cent of electricity generation.

The prime minister also said that government efforts aim to revitalise the tourism sector, capitalising on the opportunities it offers and increasing its contribution to GDP from the current 13.3 per cent to at least 15 per cent by 2029, the premier noted.

Hassan said that government efforts target welcoming 5.5 million tourists and achieving JD5.5 billion in tourism revenue.

In the ICT sector, the prime minister said that government initiatives build on achievements that have positioned Jordan and its talent as "leaders regionally and globally over the past two decades".

He added that the government aims to boost annual growth in this sector to 13 per cent, and increase its contribution to the GDP from 2.9 per cent to 4.7 per cent within five years.

In the entrepreneurship field, the government will support 250 start-ups over the next five years, the premier said.

Hassan said that more than 100 industrial companies will receive export support to boost their exports over the next two years, expand access to new markets, and enhance market share in traditional ones.

Recognising the importance of controlling public debt as a percentage of GDP, which currently stands at 90 per cent, the prime minister said that the government's goal is to reduce this figure to around 80 per cent by 2028. 

Regarding the rising cost of external debt servicing in recent years, driven by global interest rate increases and reliance on commercial loans, the premier said that the government aims to replace high-cost debt with concessional loans.

To streamline and simplify procedures and complete transactions, the government is committed to automating 80 per cent of its services next year and achieving full automation by the end of 2026, he said.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has sent a cable to United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing best wishes to him and to the Emirati people on the occasion of the UAE’s national day, according to a Royal Court statement. 

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah , in a phone call on Sunday with Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al Sudani, discussed the latest regional developments, especially the situation in Syria. 

During the call, His Majesty affirmed Jordan’s support for Syria and its unity, sovereignty, and stability, according to a Royal Court statement.

AMMAN — Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa on Sunday visited the Seeds of Hope Centre in Amman, which provides treatment for speech and language disorders for children and adults.

Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa toured the centre and viewed the first and only sensory room of its kind in Jordan, which provides multi-sensory experiences to promote relaxation and sensory integration, as well as a gym designed to enhance treatment outcomes, according to a Royal Court statement.

Their Royal Highnesses listened to a briefing by the centre’s director Aya Al Jazi, about the services provided by the centre in evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and voice disorders, as well as swallowing difficulties for children and adults, in addition to providing rehabilitation services.

The centre conducts educational workshops and training for caregivers, schools, medical staff, and students to hone skills in therapeutic and non-therapeutic areas, as well as organising awareness campaigns on hearing, speech, and rehabilitation sciences on social media, the statement added.

The centre is equipped with facilities that enable people of all ages to learn life skills such as art, cooking, and movement, in order to be active and independent members of society.

AMMAN — The Jordanian Media Credibility Monitor (Akeed) documented 106 rumours circulating in November across local and international media outlets and social media platforms.

The findings, revealed in Akeed’s monthly report, underscore the prevalence of misinformation and its dominant sources, where the report noted that 15 rumours were officially denied in November, marking a slight decrease from the 20 rumours denied in October, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Political rumours topped the list, followed by social, security, and economic rumours. 

Political rumours accounted for 14 incidents, representing 13 per cent of the total. Social rumours ranked second, while economic and public affairs rumours accounted for 8 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. The health sector recorded only one rumour, at 1 per cent.

Akeed highlighted that internal sources, including social media and local news websites, generated 71 rumours, constituting 67 per cent of the total. External sources contributed 35 rumours, or 33 per cent.

Social media emerged as the primary channel, responsible for 99 rumours (93 per cent), while media outlets generated seven rumours (7 per cent).

To combat misinformation, Akeed stressed the importance of verification, where it developed a set of principles encouraging users to question the credibility of content before sharing it, particularly in sensitive contexts.

The monitor also pointed out that rumours are not confined to crises or abnormal circumstances, such as wars and natural disasters. They can also thrive in routine conditions, requiring constant vigilance to mitigate their impact.

AMMAN — The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has concluded its participation in the Qatar Travel Mart 2024 (QTM), which was held in Doha, with a wide participation of representatives of Qatari and Arab tourist and travel agencies.

JTB Director General Abdulrazzaq Arabiyat stressed that Jordan's presence comes within the framework of the board's strategy to enhance the Kingdom's position as a "distinguished" tourist destination at the regional and international levels, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Sunday. 

Arabiyat noted that JTB is "committed" to providing an "exceptional" tourism experience for visitors and building "strong" relations with travel agencies in Qatar and the Gulf nations, especially since the Kingdom "has a lot to offer and aspires to achieve tangible results through this participation."

The JTB also aimed to enhance Jordanian presence in the Qatari tourism market, which is an "important" gateway to attracting visitors from Gulf countries, as the board focused on building "strategic" partnerships with Qatari travel agencies to increase tourists to the Kingdom, he pointed out.

Arabiyat said that the JTB 's pavilion witnessed "remarkable" turnout, as a variety of Jordanian tourist products were showcased and information was provided about Jordan's cultural events and tourist experiences, such as archaeological and natural sites.

Promotional brochures were distributed to introduce visitors to the Kingdom's tourism components that make it a "distinguished" destination.

During the exhibition, the JTB held several meetings with senior officials in the Qatari tourist sector and representatives of travel agencies to go over cooperation prospects and development of joint tourism relations.

Expressing their admiration for Jordanian tourist products, several visitors to the Jordanian pavilion voiced desire to visit the Kingdom to explore its "rich and diverse" nature.

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld a November State Security Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a drug dealer to over three years in prison after convicting him of possessing illegal narcotics in Amman in May 2022.

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal narcotics with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent in Qweismeh Neighbourhood on May 17.

The SSC handed the defendant five years in prison for the offence of possessing illegal narcotics and ordered him to pay JD5,000 in fines.

However, the court decided to reduce the fine to JD3,500 and the prison term to three years and four months in prison to give the defendant a second chance in life.

Court documents said the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) learnt the defendant was in possession of illegal narcotics and sent one of its agents to pose as a buyer.

“The AND agent got in touch with the defendant and asked him for hashish in return for JD10,” court documents said.

When the two met, AND agents immediately arrested the suspect, court papers added.

The defendant contested the SSC’s ruling through his lawyer, who argued that the court “did not provide solid evidence to implicate his client”.

The lawyer argued that his client possessed the illegal narcotics for his personal use.

Meanwhile, the SSC prosecution office asked the higher court to uphold the sentence and the fine imposed on the defendant.

The higher court maintained that the SSC had followed the proper procedures in issuing the sentence against the defendant.

“It was clear to the court that the defendant confessed willingly to possessing the illegal drugs to sell in the local market,” the higher court said.

The Court of Cassation judges were Yassin Abdullat, Nayef Samarat, Mohammad Khashashneh, Qassem Dughmi and Hammad Ghzawi.