AMMAN -- His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday told former and serving MPs that it is in the public interest for the government and lawmakers to cooperate, a Royal Court official said.
At a meeting with Lower House Speaker Saad Hayel Srour, former speakers, members of the Lower House permanent office and heads of parliamentary committees and blocs, King Abdullah referred to the internal and external challenges facing the country, voicing optimism about the ability of Jordan and Jordanians to overcome them.
The Monarch stressed that the current situation is exceptional and that the public should monitor the performance of the government and the Lower House when it comes to the public interest, the Royal Court official told The Jordan Times.
The meeting was held at the house of MP Atef Tarawneh.
The issues that King Abdullah highlighted were elaborated in his speech at Mutah University on Sunday.
His Majesty called on MPs to enhance their performance, saying that their response to the current domestic challenges is their national responsibility.
He also referred to the difficulties facing the state budget, noting that donor countries have changed their aid mechanisms to ensure that assistance is delivered to those in need, according to the official.
The challenges confronting Jordan require authorities to cooperate with one another, to ensure that there is no overlap and that the government's duties are being enacted efficiently, the King said.
He stressed that MPs must lead public opinion, adding that they are key partners in the political process.
Discussions at the meeting also covered challenges facing Jordan in the energy sector.
The MPs stressed that the King's speech at Mutah University was historic and that it represents a roadmap and an action plan for the authorities.
© Jordan Times 2013
