Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - A Royal Decree was issued Wednesday afternoon approving the new government formed by Prime Minister Samir Rifai.

The Prime Minister and the new ministers were sworn in before His Majesty King Abdullah II at a ceremony attended by a number of Royal family members, Royal Court chief and the King's advisors.

The King received the outgoing ministers and thanked them for their efforts while they were in office.

A new formation of the Senate is expected to be announced following the issuance of a Royal Decree to appoint the new government. Another Royal Decree is expected to be issued, appointing Taher Al Masri as president of the Senate.

1- The Royal Decree appointed Samir Rifai as Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

2- Dr. Khaled Al Karaki - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education.

3- Sa'ad Hayel Al Srour - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior

4- Ayman Al Safadi - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State

5- Dr. Abdul Salam Al Abbadi - Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs

6- Hesham Al Tal - Minister of Justice

7- Suleiman Al Hafeth - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources

8- Nasser Judeh - Minister of Foreign Affairs

9- Dr. Walid Al Ma'ani - Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

10- Dr. Muhammad Abu Hammour - Minister of Finance

11- Dr. Tayseer Al Smadi - Minister of Agriculture

12 - Hala Bseiso Lattouf - Minister of Social Development and Women's Affairs

13- Amer Al Hadidi - Minister of Industry and Trade

14 - Alaa' Batayneh - Minister of Transportation

15 - Musa Ma'aytah - Minister of Political Development

16- Nabih Shuqum - Minister of Culture

17 - Emad Fakhouri - Minister of State for Mega Projects

18 - Dr. Ja'afar Hassan - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation

19 - Dr. ibrahim Omoush - Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs

20- Muhammad Al Najjar - Minister of Water and Irrigation

21- Dr. Muhammad Taleb Obeidat - Minister of Public Works and Housing

22- Marwan Jum'a - Minister of Communications and Information Technology

23- Ali Al Ayed - Minister of State for Media Affairs

24 - Samir Murad - Minister of Labor

25- Rabha Al Dabbas - Minister of Municipality Affairs

26 - Nasser Al Shraideh - Minister of Environment

27 - Fares Qatarneh - Minister of State for Cabinet (Council of Ministers) Affairs

28- Nisreen Barakat - Minister of Public Sector Development

29 - Dr. Mahmoud Al Sheyyab - Minister of Health

30 - Ahmad Tbeishat - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs

31 - Zeid Goussous - Minister of Tourism and Antiquities


Prime Minister Samir Rifai sent a message to the King in reply to the letter of designation in which he pledged to fulfill the content of the King's letter and implement His Majesty's directives.

The prime minister said his government would press ahead with reform, modernization and development as envisaged in the letter of designation.

He pledged that the government will draw up executive plans and programs in a manner that measures performance and achievement in partnership with all state institutions, mainly the legislative authority.

The government , Rifai added, will strike true partnership with the Lower House of Parliament to achieve citizens' ambitions and aspirations. The prime minister stressed that his government will do its utmost to remove obstacles and iron out difficulties facing reform in various domains.

On political development, the premier affirmed that the government will take all necessary steps to expand public participation in decision-making and activate party work in accordance with the constitution.

He also pledged that the government will work to develop professional media and enable media outlets to perform their role in a free and independent manner and defend society, individuals and institutions from wrong practices.

On the elections law, he said the government will forward the current law to the Lower House of Parliament to make needed amendments that are consistent with national interests and will also cooperate with the legislative authority to finalize the decentralization which will ensure broader public participation in decision making.

Rifai said the government will adopt clear and sound economic policy to improve the performance of the national economy and boost its competitiveness and productivity to reflect positively on citizens' living standards. "it will also work to implement plans and programs that aim at luring in investments, creating jobs, protecting the middle class and combating poverty, unemployment and corruption.

The prime minister highlighted the need to improve financial performance and control the budget deficit.

The government he added will also work tirelessly to safeguard the Kingdom's security and stability and will ensure the rule of law to achieve social justice and preserve the rights and dignity of all Jordanians. "The government will not tolerate any attempt to tamper with national unity by anyone," Rifai added.

The premier said that the government will provide all support to the armed forces and security apparatuses due to their role in preserving security and stability as well as accomplishments.

He said Jordan will continue its support to the Palestinians to end occupation and restore their legitimate rights, foremost of which is their aspiration to a statehood and independence. "Establishing an independent and viable Palestinian state is a strategic Jordanian interest and a prerequisite for comprehensive peace in the region, the premier said.


* Petra and Ammon News