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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - A Royal Decree was issued promoting Major General Meshaal Al Zaben, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Commission, to the rank of Lieutenant General, and appointing him as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 'Ammon News' learned.

A Royal Decree also refered General Khaled Jamil Sarayrah to retirement.

Another Royal Decree was issued yesterday, appointing Sarayreh as a Senate member as of February 23, 2010.

In a letter addressed to the newly appointed Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) chairman, the King expressed his confidence in Zaben, underlining the importance of his mission.

“I know that your responsibilities will be large, and I am fully confident that you are capable of undertaking the responsibility,” the King said, expressing his full support for the military chairman.

King Abdullah stressed the importance of the JAF, saying they safeguard the Kingdom’s security, sovereignty and stability.

He also underlined the importance of the JAF’s training and armament, saying that their upgrading “should be done in accordance with a clear plan and a modern and comprehensive vision of what the army should be like, at present and in the future”.

As for the living conditions of military personnel, the King emphasised that they should have all their needs met and enjoy a decent standard of living.

Zaben replied with a letter in which he pledged to work on a plan to modernise the army and supply it with state-of-the-art weapons and equipment.

Born in Zarqa in 1953, Zaben began his military career at the Royal Jordanian Military Academy in 1972. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Armoured Corps as a Platoon Commander, according to the top officer’s CV provided by the JAF’s Moral Guidance Directorate.

His command posts have included Tank Battalion Commander, Infantry Brigade Commander, Northern Command Commander and Chief of Staff for Strategic Planning.

Zaben, who is married with four sons, holds a master’s degree in administration and military sciences and is a graduate of courses at the Royal Jordanian Command and Staff College, the Royal Jordanian War College, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.

Also yesterday, King Abdullah sent another letter to the former chairman, General Khaled Sarayreh, who was retired as of February 23, Petra reported.

In the letter, the King thanked Sarayreh for his loyalty and for shouldering his responsibility with bravery, power and commitment to the real spirit of the army.

Underlining his long years of service and distinguished performance, King Abdullah told Sarayreh that he will always be in his confidence and have his respect and appreciation as well as that of his fellow soldiers.

The outgoing army chief replied to His Majesty’s letter, expressing pride in eight years of service in the post, adding he will always be a soldier serving the country and the King.

(Ammon News and Jordan Times)