Al-Rawabdeh pledges to deal with critical issues

The new Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh on Saturday pledged to pursue a new policy in monitoring the country's issues in order to deal with its economic problems.

Following the first meeting of the Jordanian new Cabinet, al-Rawabdeh said his government will embark on facing "critical issues" including poverty and unemployment, which cover 27% of the population according to unofficial estimates.

He hoped that tangible results will be attained "shortly." He continued, "We will reconsider administration methods in the service of our people."

King Abdullah had asked the new government to give priority to the economy and to fighting corruption. Al-Rawabdeh said "This government will take into account the country's affairs on the internal and external issues and will work for developing relations with all Arab countries."

Al-Rawabdeh stressed firm Jordanian relations with all Arab states with no exception, describing this attitude as one of "Jordan's principles."