Jordanian royal decree accepts the resignation of Planning minister

A royal decree was issued in Amman on Thursday accepting the resignation of Rima Khalaf, the deputy premier and minister of planning, as of Thursday and appointing as her successor Muhammad al-Halaeyka, who is the current minister of commerce and industry, as an acting minister for planning.

In statements he made on Thursday on this occasion, Jordanian Minister of Information Saleh al-Qallab said the resignation of Khalaf may had resulted from a "personal reason," as she was persistent to extend the service of an employee at the Ministry of Planning who is over 60, and she linked her resignation to extending the man's service. The Jordanian minister denied any other reason for Khalaf's resignation.

On Thursday, Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh accepted the resignation of Khalaf from her post following a special meeting held for the Cabinet.

Also accepted was the resignation of the director of the Jordanian security department, Lt. Gen. Nasouh Muhey El-Din, and Lt. Gen. Zaher al-Fawaz was appointed to replace him.

The Jordanian Cabinet also approved the retirement of Lt. Gen. Muhammad al-Basoul, Lt. Gen. Ahmad al-Damour, Abdul Raouf Hussein and Lt. Gen. Nimr al-Hammoud.