AMMAN (JT) - Prime Minister Samir Rifai on Monday said the rule of the law is a red line that should not be crossed.
He added that the government will not allow anyone to harm or violate citizens' rights, while also stressing the importance of the Kingdom's security and stability, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
During visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Interior Ministry, Rifai underlined the two ministries' roles in implementing the government's main tasks, which will be included in its plan to be submitted to His Majesty King Abdullah soon.
During his meeting with Interior Minister Nayef Qadi, Rifai noted that citizens have the right to enjoy distinguished public services, stressing the importance of achieving a tangible qualitative leap in the level of public services in a manner that respects citizens' time and effort. He also emphasised that the coming stage requires Cabinet members to work as a team and in full harmony.
On national unity, Rifai underscored the importance of "Jordan continuing to hold its lofty position, remaining safe and invincible at the time it seeks to achieve the interests of its citizens", who, he said, should enjoy real national unity that is safeguarded against "bigotry, narrow interests and foreign agendas".
While stressing the need to keep the country secure, Rifai noted that the Kingdom is, in parallel, embarking on a new stage in which it will work to expand the drive towards democracy and comprehensive reform on the basis of transparency, integrity, impartiality and accountability.
At the meeting, Qadi told Rifai about the ministry's efforts, in cooperation with the ministerial committees, to amend the Elections Law and to draw up the decentralisation draft law. Qadi also briefed the prime minister on the ministry's preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
He added that the ministry is reconsidering its organisational structure as well as that of the governorates, in addition to working to computerise and streamline its procedures to achieve maximum efficiency and the optimal use of human resources.
He also referred to the ministry's efforts to streamline the issuance of visas and residency permits for foreign investors.
During the visit to the Interior Ministry, the premier inspected the training centre set up by the ministry to train district governors. Rifai also visited the Nationality and Foreigners' Affairs Department, where he checked on the services it provides and listened to citizens' comments regarding the department's procedures.
During his meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and other ministry officials, Rifai emphasised the ministry's role in supporting Jordanian citizens abroad, maintaining contact with them and providing them with necessary services.
Judeh said the ministry's plan for the coming stage includes enhancing Jordan's role at the regional and international levels and expanding the Kingdom's diplomatic representation abroad.
The foreign minister also explained that the ministry's plan focuses on the computerisation and improvement of its services.
© Jordan Times 2010
