His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday issued directives for the disbursal of JD200 for each serving and retired member of the Jordan Armed Forces and security institutions as well as families of martyrs on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. The amount is part of returns of the sale of shares of privatised public institutions that were allocated by the government for the Development and Investment Project Fund of the Jordan Armed Forces.

In June 2005, King Abdullah instructed the government to allocate 3% of those shares to sell them to active and retired armed forces and security personnel at preferential prices. Three per cent of government shares in the Jordan Telecom Company, Royal Jordanian and Jordan Phosphates Mines Company were allocated for the Development and Investment Project Fund of the Jordan Armed Forces to benefit members of the armed forces and security institutions.

The makrumah, estimated at JD75m, is aimed at ensuring that citizens enjoy a decent life as part of comprehensive social security plan and for them to reap the benefits of economic development and reforms.

Addressing tens of thousands of army officers following an Iftar organised by the armed forces at the Royal Military College, King Abdullah said, "From the first day I assumed leadership responsibility, I was, and I remain, of the conviction that it is the right of the armed forces and security institutions to enjoy a fair share of the benefits of development and the returns of economic reform." He stressed that security and safety were among the most important factors that enabled Jordan to achieve positive economic progress.

King Abdullah also expressed pride in the armed forces, saying it enjoys a special status in his conscience and that of every Jordanian and has borne great responsibilities and sacrifices over the past decades.

He stressed that he is committed to providing all the support and care possible to every soldier, non-commissioned officer and officer, adding that he is keen to provide comprehensive social security to improve their living conditions so that they will remain "an example in pioneering institutional and national action, and a model of discipline, efficiency and patriotism."

The King recalled the sacrifices and historic acts of heroism by Arab and Islamic ancestors, and the many battles of honour and victories they realised during this holy month.

"We remember these achievements and great victories so as to derive from them resolve, will and confidence in our ability to face challenges and difficulties, and to make the future in which Jordan will stand as an example and model of security, stability, strength and prosperity, while providing a decent living to every citizen, male and female, in this country", he said.

King Abdullah also noted the great economic challenges facing the country, saying that these challenges, whether internal or external, should motivate citizens to work harder to mobilise their capabilities and capacities to face these international economic developments, through will and wisdom, and confidence and steadfastness.

"I am sure that with the will and resolve of our noble citizens, men and women, the sons and daughters of this homeland, we will overcome all these challenges, and be in a better economic situation," the King said, emphasizing that this promise will become a tangible reality in the near future.

King Abdullah, who also joined the soldiers for Maghreb prayers, concluded by congratulating members of the armed and security forces, the Jordanian family and the Arab and Islamic nation on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Last year, King Abdullah donated JD20m to the Military Housing Fund to ensure that more military personnel would benefit from the fund. He also issued directives to the government to implement the necessary legislative amendments to increase the value of loans provided by housing funds for army and security personnel.