Ammon News - KARAK-His Majesty King Abdullah II on Thursday visited the southern governorate of Karak and met with citizens, dignitaries and community leaders who aired key demands of their governorate in the education, health and service sectors.

Thousands of citizens in the southern city took to the streets as traditional tents were set up to cheer the royal motorcade.

Addressing more than 700 local figures and notables, King Abdullah expressed his happiness for visiting Karak which he said a "precious" governorate and was always a model for achievement and belonging.

"The people of Karak are always up the responsibility and they can surmount challenges", the King said. He stressed the importance of responding to Karak needs and said " Karak needs will the subject of our attention".

The King called for rearranging priorities and focus on uplifting services in all sectors, foremost of which education and health which he described as urgent task.

King Abdullah told the attendants that he had instructed the government to focus on improving services in all sectors in the governorate and to coordinate with Karak citizens in a meeting at the Royal Court to be held in the coming few days.

Turing to the public participation in decision-making, the King affirmed that "the citizen must be a partner in decision-making in order to build a bright future for our country and precious people in all parts of the Kingdom."

"We have to move forward, according to clear visions and studied plans and with the participation of all, we are capable to build this future if all work with sincerity, transparency and with team spirit." King Abdullah said.

Speaking about upcoming parliamentary elections, King Abdullah asserted that the forthcoming vote is an opportunity to take a practical step towards real participation, adding that the government has a responsibility to hold the polls in a fair and transparent manner.

The King prodded citizens to elect most capable candidates who can build the future, serve the nation and be up to their responsibilities as legislators.

King Abdullah had lunch with citizens who spoke about their needs in key sectors. Prime Minister Samir Rifai spoke about a number of projects being carried out in the governorate and said the volume of capital projects in the governorate was around JD42 million.

*Petra