Speed up reform, King tells prime minister-designate
Following is the official translation of the Letter of Designation: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Your Excellency Dr. Adnan Badran, May Allah bless you,
Now that time is due, and governments are successive, we seize the opportunity to reaffirm that change in government is only a journey of accumulative achievement. Each stage has its prerequisites and we have achieved a lot with the previous government as well as with former governments.
Our vision is reinforced in the evident development that our country is witnessing. Yet, aspirations exceed achievements. It is imperative to continue the journey and learn from past experiences. We live in a turbulent region and surrounded by global challenges. However, we are confident in the strength of our will and we are determined to move forward, motivated by a brighter future for all Jordanians.
We pride ourselves for being the first to adopt reform and to assume a pioneering role in the region. Reform is a comprehensive and a long-term process. Although we are certain that the fruits of reform will take time before they ripen.
The reform process demands the participation and effective contribution of all segments of society to face its political, economic and social challenges.
Moreover, reform cannot be realised without constructive communication with Parliament. Equally important is the active role of Parliament in meeting the challenges of reform.
We are determined in the coming phase to accelerate the pace of reform, and to institutionalise the reform process through the National Agenda, the elements of which are becoming more evident.
All the phases of the National Agenda, with no exception, demand the conviction and participation of all Jordanians particularly that citizenship is not an entitlement to personal gains at the expense of the state and the nation, but rather a productive partnership, and a shared destiny. Therefore, success can only be guaranteed through the efforts of all and the accumulation of achievements.
Although the core of the National Agenda appears to be purely economic reform, it is in fact a comprehensive reform process which includes eradicating poverty and unemployment, improving living standards, and raising income. Achieving these objectives necessitate creating jobs and enhancing productivity to attain well-being and prosperity.
It should also be stressed that reform also includes political, judicial and media reform as well as freedom of speech and investment in the human capital which is our most valuable asset.
Reform also includes equal opportunities, education, training, knowledge-oriented education, technology and market demands. Guided by these imperatives, we reiterate our call for the private sector to enhance its partnership with the public sector. The private sector has made achievements, yet a lot remains to be done and we call on the private sector, which is the main engine for reform, to rise to the challenge.
We want and aspire for the government to establish parallel relations with political forces including the parties and civil society institutions. To achieve this, there should be transparency and accountability and civil society should be committed to participation and guided by the same objectives.
We also reassert the importance of reconsidering administrative divisions in order to achieve decentralisation through the participation of all in determining the priorities and taking part in the decision making process and implementation, not only through the government's strategy of accountability, but rather through legislation, which is a major driver of comprehensive achievement.
Jordan will always be committed to its deep Arab roots. Therefore, we are keen to maintain constructive and equal relations with all Arab brethren countries.
We shall always remain supportive of our dear Iraq. We shall continue to support its dear people in their pursuit to solidify their unity and sovereignty within their independent choices and through democracy.
As for dear Palestine, we shall continue as always to be supportive of the Palestinian people. We shall continue to support them in their yearning to achieve their rights and to establish their independent state through the peace process. We assert our belief in the roadmap and the Arab Peace Initiative as both are the most practical and objective means to achieve the aspired objectives, without concessions in regard to the state or the future of the brethren Palestinian people.
Our journey will not be completed without the strong support of our Army and security agencies which are our homeland's impregnable shield, and the guarantor of its security, independence and stability. Therefore, its support is on the top of our priorities.
We call upon you today, to hold the honour of public service, by entrusting you with the formation of the Jordanian government, with the continuation of the vision and commitment.
We have selected you on account of your wisdom and maturity, experience and knowledge, and particularly due to your sincere belief in reform and your readiness to sacrifice and perform.
I wish you all the success in selecting a homogenous working team of efficient ministers, who believe in institutional work and are ready to give and offer without restraint, never despairing from obstacles and difficulties, to live up to Jordan's level of aspirations, and the ambitions of our courageous, worthy and capable people.
In Allah we trust
Peace be upon you, Allah's mercy and His blessings
Abdullah II Ibn al Hussein
Amman, March 5, 2005
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
link:
http://www.jordantimes.com/wed/homenews/homenews2.htm
At least all the King's near and dear can know what to expect as birthday presents this year !
