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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Prime Minister Omar Razzaz met Monday with editors of daily newspapers and directors of official media outlets, columnists and writers as part of regular encounters to journalists on local, regional and international issues.

During the meeting, which was attended by State Minister for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh, Razzaz outlined the government's priorities for 2020 and 2021 and beyond, which he announced two days ago, including executive measures with timelines to enhance transparency and accountability standards.

The government believes its work is institutionalized and cumulative regarding the achievements made, and that it must set priorities that serve the country and citizens in the short-, medium- and even long-term, whether they will be carried out by this government or the next governments, he said.

"We have no idea about the government's age, but we are certain that no government should stop working on planning for the future." he added.

"In light of the rapid change in the world, we in Jordan are working on forging consensus on constants and basic principles to chart a roadmap for the future in the political, economic and social aspects," he said.

On the political side, Razzaz stressed that Jordan holds firm and clear positions on various regional and international issues, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, with the conviction that these national positions are compelled by the higher interests of the Jordanian state.

He warned that Israel's unilateral measures in Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley and the Palestinian territories will lead the peace process and regional stability to a dead end.

"If Israel pursues these measures, it will be a perilous endeavour that will lead to a racist state, where a population will have no political rights, and generations that will not enjoy peace," he said, warning that such actions will have serious repercussions on the region and the world at large.

Turning to the economy, the premier said that despite the regional hardships and scarce natural resources, Jordan had proved its resilience in terms of the economy and financial stability, noting, in this regard, the improvement in the Kingdom's rankings on international indicators.

He pointed out that the local, regional and international challenges warrant that the focus in the coming stage be on boosting national security in its comprehensive military, security, economic and social concept.

The priority in the coming months is holding parliamentary elections in summer in implementation of the royal directives, Razzaz said, stressing that the government will provide all forms of support to the Independent Election Commission to conduct fair and transparent polls.

In response to a question, the Prime Minister said that the government had directed the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission and the Audit bureau to reexamine the rising electricity bills over the past two months, and to hire experts and technicians to know the reason for the increase.

"If there is proof of any dereliction by anyone, these will be held accountable," he said, adding that electricity companies should assume greater responsibility for the technical and non-technical power loss.

On the coronavirus, the premier stressed that all border crossings are being closely monitored, adding that all necessary measures were being taken concerning quarantine and isolation. "We are not isolated from the world, and we must be prepared for all eventualities," he added.

For his part, the State Minister for Media Affairs said the government is keen on holding such dialogue with the media representatives to keep them informed about the government's plans and programs, and its current and future projects.

Adaileh stressed planning for the future in all matters of importance to the country's progress, so that the decisions taken will not be improvised or not based on facts and studies.