Ammon News - By Eyad Jaghbeer

AMMONNEWS - Prime Minister Designate Awn Khasawneh said that he welcomes the participation of Islamists in his government, stressing that he will keep channels open with opposition movements in an effort to reach consensus on various political reform platforms.

Khasawneh, who was appointed by King Abdullah as Prime Minister on Monday, said in his first statement to the press that he left his post with the International Court of Justice to return to Jordan "to serve the country in this crucial time."

He noted in statements to Ammon News that it is still early to make a decision to postpone or hold the municipal elections on time since the cabinet has not yet been formed.

The new Prime Minister stressed that the elections must be held in a suitable atmosphere, "which is better than carrying out speedy elections that may lead to strife."

"I consider myself a friend to all and the government extends its arm to all segments of Jordanian society, we do not discriminate between citizens," he added.

Khasawneh stressed that "integrity" will be one of the main conditions in picking members of the new minister's cabinet, in addition to geographic and age considerations.

Regarding government priorities, Khasawneh told Ammon News that the government will work to "restore people's confidence in governments and the political regime by extending the arm and heart to all segments of society, treating people based on justice."

The government will put in place suitable measures to hold transparent elections, Khasawneh noted, stressing that "the elections must be characterized by transparency and integrity leaving no room for doubt in its legitimacy."

"This, I believe, is the main key for the democratic process," he added.

Regarding the economy, Khasawneh said that his government will carry out balanced economic reforms to ensure that the country overcomes the economic crisis storming the world.

"We will work to restore the stature of governance.. this stature does not necessitate violence or force, but is rather substantiated through proper actions, behavior, and setting a good model," Khaswneh said in concluding his statements to Ammon News.

Khasawneh noted that he should conclude forming his ministerial team by early next week.




* By Banan Malkawi for Ammon News English