His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday appealed for the preservation of national unity and urged citizens to refrain from any behaviour or action that might harm social cohesion.
“What matters at this stage is that no one tampers with national unity,” King Abdullah said on Sunday as he emphasised that Jordan will seriously and boldly proceed with political reforms.
The King made his remarks during a meeting with notables and representatives of the Petra district in the south of the Kingdom, where he emphasised that the country will also move ahead with plans to achieve economic reform “with the same vigour and enthusiasm exhibited in efforts to realise political reforms”.
“We are aware of the difficult conditions and circumstances that Jordan and the region are going through. But we are optimistic about the future that we seek to achieve through economic and development projects,” the King said.
Senator Awad Khleifat responded that "we in Jordan enjoy freedom, democracy, justice and tolerance, and we support reform and change for the better, but we are keen on constants represented by the Hashemite monarchy, national unity, and the preservation of the Constitution."
Adel Tweisi, president of the University of Jordan, added that popular calls for reform and development are supported “but we are not for confiscating people's rights or disrupting public life."
During the meeting, the King Abdullah said projects in the fields of health, education and services that meet the needs of the district will be undertaken and added that a a local committee would be formed to meet with the government at the Royal Court next week.
The King stressed keenness to study all development needs presented by the district's residents to enhance their living conditions.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit said Jordan's main asset is the regime, the King and security, adding that every issue can be settled through dialogue.
The premier added that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) were tasked with drawing up an investment map for the district that outlines all possible investment opportunities.
Bakhit added that a plan is in place to develop tourism in Petra and increase the number of visitors to the city.
The premier, who reviewed the government's achievements and plans in different fields, said the government is working on electronically linking Queen Rania Hospital in the district with Prince Hamzah Hospital to promote telemedicine.
Bakhit added that the hospital, along with Maan Public Hospital, will be provided with required staff and equipment as well.
Reviewing their demands, the representatives said the area is in need of healthcare centres, schools and youth centres in several parts of the district.
They also called for several infrastructure projects that ensure that tourism development benefits more residents of the district. They also called for the creation of a fund to support development projects and extend loans, urging the allocation of two per cent of Petra's revenues to sustain the fund.
During the visit, King Abdullah laid the cornerstone for a project to rehabilitate and expand Petra Visitors Centre at a total cost of JD3 million.
During a meeting with members of the council of commissioners of the PDTRA, the King was briefed on the agency's mission, plans and projects. The King also watched a documentary on the project and on another project to revive heritage in Petra.