Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - A Royal Decree was issued on Monday by King Abdullah accepting the resignation of Minister of Environment Hazem Malhas as of October 25th, 2010.

Malhas had submitted him resignation to Prime Minister Samir Rifai on Monday evening following controversy over statements he made against journalists in a workshop on Monday, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications, Ali Al Ayed said.

Al Ayed added that Malhas apologized in his resignation letter over the "un-intentional offense" to media outlets and some journalists in statements he made on Sunday.

Al Ayed stressed that the Jordanian government respects professional media and is committed to cooperate with media outlets and journalists in accordance with laws and standards that would guarantee a professional and independent media role.