Day: 25 June 2023

His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday highlighted the importance of ensuring the upcoming parliamentary elections will be a milestone in Jordanian parliamentary. During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace with politicians and columnists, King Abdullah urged political parties to capitalise on the upcoming phase to build clear and realistic platforms to win over voters. His Majesty underlined the importance of increasing voter turnout in the upcoming elections by encouraging Jordanians, especially youth and women, to actively engage in the political modernisation process. The King said active participation requires that Jordanians feel political parties are working seriously to translate their platforms on the ground, and that they have moved from slogans to achieving tangible results. In addition, His Majesty said political modernisation has built on previous achievements, and set a clear road map to achieve its goals gradually. Noting that political modernisation cannot be achieved without administrative and economic modernisation, the King reaffirmed that the three tracks are closely linked and intertwined to serve the country and its people. For their part, the attendees offered suggestions to enhance partisan engagement, especially among youth and women, and discussed challenges facing partisan action, while highlighting the important role of the media in covering the political scene and highlighting political parties’ platforms. Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Jordan Young Scientists (JoYS) National Exhibition 2023 reached its exciting conclusion with an awarding ceremony that honoured the exceptional talent and efforts displayed by Jordan’s young scientists. The two-day exhibition showcased 112 innovative projects created by 357 students from 68 schools across the country. Three winners from each category were selected by specialized judges, recognizing the outstanding knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills demonstrated by these young scientists. Additionally, an overall committee identified the top three overall winners, with the top-placed winner earning the opportunity to participate in the prestigious BT Young Scientists Exhibition in Ireland, providing a global platform to further showcase their scientific acumen. The winners will also have the opportunity to participate in a science boot camp organized by the Irish Embassy, next September. The winners were the following: Best Three Projects in Jordan: First Prize: The Islamic Scientific College / Jubaiha Branch Artificial Nervous System (ANS), Second Prize: Al-Qusour Preparatory School for Boys – Safe Hinges and Third Prize :Sharhabil Bin Hasna Secondary School for Boys – Monitoring student attendance. In the Technology category: First Prize: The Islamic Scientific College / Jubaiha – British program: The Smart Plant Watering System, Second Prize: The Islamic Scientific College – Jabal Amman: GREEN EVERYWHERE STREET LIGHTS and Third Prize: International Academy – Amman: iBreathe. In the Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry category: First Prize International Academy – Amman: Recycling Fast Fashion Garments Into Tents for Refugees, Second Prize Fatima Al-Zahra Secondary School for Girls: future global agriculture and Third Prize Amman Camp Preparatory Secondary School for Girls: Smart Drip Irrigation. The JoYS National Exhibition 2023 serves as a testament to the talent and dedication of Jordan’s young scientists, highlighting their potential to contribute to the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and shape a brighter future. By fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry, this initiative paves the way for Jordan’s scientific and technological advancements. With a total of over 120 participating schools, 638 students, 100 dedicated teachers, and a total of 188 innovative projects, the JoYS National Exhibition 2023 is a true testament to the talent and passion for STEM education in Jordan. “The event not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of young scientists but also emphasized the importance of providing them with opportunities for growth, learning, and recognition,” Ambassador of Ireland to Jordan, Marianne Bolger said. She added, “We congratulate all the winners and extend our appreciation to the participating students, teachers, parents, and organizations who made the JoYS National Exhibition 2023 a resounding success”. “Their commitment to advancing scientific understanding and finding practical solutions to real-world challenges will undoubtedly contribute to Jordan’s future development and progress”, Bolger further added. Co-Chairperson of JoYS, Mohammad Tahboub, said JoYS 2023 encourages cooperation, practical curiosity and critical thinking, noting that it is an incentive to nurture the next generation of innovators who will contribute to scientific and technological progress in Jordan. Young Scientist Initiative is an international initiative that was first launched in Ireland about 60 years ago, and provides an important platform for young scientists to show their potential and shape a brighter future, by highlighting their talents in a way that enhances their potential to contribute to the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, on Sunday received UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths. Safadi stressed the importance of bolstering cooperation between Jordan and the United Nations on providing refugee needs, and creating conditions for voluntary and safe return to their country. Safadi briefed Griffiths on efforts made within the framework of the Arab political track to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, which addresses all its humanitarian, security and political consequences. Safadi highlighted challenges that the Kingdom faces as a Syrian refugees host country, stressing that the burden of asylum is an international responsibility and not only the responsibility of host countries, and that meeting their life requirements properly until they return to their homeland is a humanitarian duty and a regional and international security necessity. Safadi said that “the future of the Syrian refugees is in their country, which requires taking practical steps to create the necessary environment for their return.” He added that Jordan has exceeded its capacity for hosting refugees and warned of a decline in their international support. Talks dealt with efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis, cooperation mechanisms between the Kingdom and international organizations to face the challenges of Syrian refugees, and the latest regional and international developments. For his part, Griffiths expressed his appreciation for Jordan’s great humanitarian in hosting refugees and providing them with the requirements of a decent life.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites, Head of Jordanian Hajj missions, Mohammad Khalaileh, on Sunday checked on Jordanian pilgrims camps in the holy sites of Arafat and Mina, to ensure their readiness, before the pilgrims are dispatched on Monday, to perform the ritual of standing in Arafat. Khalaileh toured the pilgrims’ reception and overnight camps in Arafat, to inspect tent equipment that would provide them with means of comfort during their stay in these holy sites, including equipment approved for the first time. Each camp was equipped from the inside with a sufficient number of air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, and water coolers, and a mobile “wool bed” that could be folded and stretched according to the comfort and choice of the pilgrim, in addition to pillows and sheets for sleeping in the shrines of Arafat and Mina alike for the first time, and cold and hot food and drink services. Khalaileh was also briefed on public safety procedures inside the camps, logistic support equipment, health facilities, and ensuring the availability of water and lighting to facilitate the pilgrims to perform their rituals to the fullest. He lauded the available equipment to serve the pilgrims of the Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque), which was provided by the Saudi authorities in the holy sites, in cooperation with various Hajj missions. He gave directions to members of the ministry’s administrative mission to provide means of comfort for the pilgrims inside each camp and to increase the number of air conditioners to match the number of pilgrims inside each camp. He referred to the complete electrical linkage of camps after they had previously relied on generators, which would ensure that electricity would not be interrupted, lauding Saudi authorities measures under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Dozens of Jewish extremist settlers on Sunday stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque/ al-Haram al-Sharif compound in occupied East Jerusalem. In a statement, the General Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem indicated that the settlers carried out today’s raids through al-Magharebah Gate under the heavy protection of Israeli police, who restricted Muslim worshippers’ access to the mosque. “The settlers toured the mosque’s yards, listened to explanations about the purported ‘Temple Mount’, and provocatively performed their Talmudic rituals in the Bab al-Rahma area and in front of the Dome of the Rock before they left from Al-Silsila Gate,” it added.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Industrial experts have confirmed that the Saudi market is one of the key promising markets for the growth of Jordanian food exports, in light of the strong and deep-rooted ties between the two countries, in addition to their geographic proximity. Speaking at the Saudi Food Show 2023, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center with the participation of 100 nations, they emphasized the significance of taking part in foreign exhibitions to promote national industries and explore new markets. A total of 18 local corporations specializing in food industries participated in the exhibition, with technical support from the USAID-funded Business Growth Activity project, as indicated in a statement by the Jordanian Exporters Association (JEA) on Sunday. The experts also highlighted the impressive turnout of traders and visitors at the Jordanian pavilion, noting that the Jordanian involvement in the expo played a crucial role in establishing agreements as a precursor to signing contracts for the supply of national products. JEA Director General Halim Abu Rahma underscored that the association is developing clear plans and programs to assist industrialists and exporters in accessing new markets through permanent involvement in specialized international fairs, and organizing workshops and meetings. Established in 1988, JEA seeks to support the export of industrial sector products and services, promote Jordanian products in various global markets, participate in foreign exhibitions, and hold specialized seminars and dialogues.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Ministry of Tourism and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) on Sunday concluded a project on “Technical Assistance to Contribute to the Definition of a Strategic Development Plan for Tourism and Human Resources in Jordan”. The project, which was implemented by Italian Politecnico di Milano, under Ministry of Tourism’s supervision with AICS support, aims to promote sustainable tourism development and provide specialized workforce in the Kingdom. During the project’s closing ceremony, which was held in Amman, the ministry’s Secretary-General, Imad Hijazin, said a slew of projects were completed with participation of key experts from Politecnico di Milano, in cooperation with the ministry. As part of this effort, Hijazin said a study to assess size of the supply-demand gap was carried out in relation to academic and professional institutions that provide specializations in the tourism industry and the actual labor market. Hijazin added that this study aimed to draw a map of the current educational situation compared to the labor market’s needs in this sector. Among the projects, he noted another study identified no less than 11 tourist professions and skills, aimed to ensure their update and shift to innovative practices in accordance with local and global markets’ developments and the industry’s efficiency requirements. Regarding business information system project, Hijazin said work was completed to develop an analytical technological platform for this this purpose as an “effective” tool for decision-makers in the tourism field. He noted this effort aims to provide a “full” picture of Jordan’s tourism sector based on related indicators related to the economic, social, environmental and technological impact and tourist destination management. This project, he noted, will help decision makers and policy leaders to take “strategic” decisions to improve economic growth of Jordan’s tourism sector. Hijazin valued support of the Italian government and participating partners in implementing the strategic development plan for tourism and human resources in Jordan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Female Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, Itaf Jaradat and Fatema Shahin, are facing extremely difficult conditions in Israeli detention, the PLO Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs Commission said in a report today. Fawwaz Shludi, an attorney working with the Commission, said Jaradat is currently accompanying Shahin as an escort at the Ramla Prison where the latter is being treated for injuries she sustained by Israeli gunfire, when she was arrested by the Israeli occupation forces leading to her paralysis and to acute pain that makes her awake all the time. The condition of the two female prisoners in Ramla Prison is very bad, Shludi pointed out, adding that the room they are in is very small and that they cannot move freely inside it. In addition, he said the room includes only one bed for the prisoner Shahin, while the Jaradat has no choice but to sleep on a chair, which causes her severe pain in the back and neck. According to the statement, since Jaradat was moved to the Ramla Prison as an escort to disabled Shahin, Shahin has not been allowed family visitation nor to use the public telephone in the prison.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

Israeli settlers today sprayed racist graffiti on the walls of agricultural green homes in the vicinity of the Shufa Israeli military checkpoint to the southeast of Tulkarem, according to a local farmer. The farmer, Tahseen Hamed, told WAFA correspondent that a group of settlers snuck into Palestinian-owned land in the vicinity of the said checkpoint and spray-painted racist slogans calling for the killing of Arabs on the walls of greenhouses owned by two residents. Settlers also stole a donkey owned by Hamed and his brother. Settler violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and expressed deep concern over the recent extremist settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and the destruction of their property in the West Bank. The US National Security Advisor reiterated during a telephone call made on June 23 the importance of holding accountable those responsible for such acts of violence. Sullivan encouraged additional steps to restore calm and de-escalate tensions and called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions, including settlement activity, that further inflame tensions. Sullivan conveyed the United States’ hope that the parties build on the commitments made during talks at Aqaba, Jordan, and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and reconvene soon.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA