King Abdullah announces Jordan has reclaimed villages from Israel

Jordan’s King Abdullah declared the reclamation of territory in the Jordan Valley from Israel in a speech from the throne yesterday, marking a highly anticipated official return of the villages.

King Abdullah said the villages of Baqoura and Al Ghamr that were annexed by Israel under the 1994 peace treaty had officially returned to Jordan.

“Today I announce the expiration of the peace treaty annexes of Al Ghamr and Baqoura and the imposition of our full sovereignty over every inch of those lands,” the king said in a speech to mark the opening of the fourth session of the current parliament.

His announcement was interrupted by thunderous applause and a standing ovation from MPs. Moments later, the TV coverage of his address cut to images of Jordanian soldiers raising the national flag at Baqoura near the Israeli border.

In a speech largely focused on the economy, King Abdullah also pledged a revision of taxes and customs fees and a new approach to revive the struggling economy, in a bid to reassure anxious Jordanians that better days were ahead. But it was his remarks on the returned territory that caused the most celebration.

“When his majesty mentioned the return of Baqoura, it received more applause than anything else – even tax cuts,” said Oraib Rantawi, analyst and director of the Amman-based Al Quds Centre for Political Studies.

“This issue is tied to national pride, Jordanian territory, and growing frustration with Israel, and people across all sectors of society are happy to have this victory and this land returned to the Jordanian people.”

King Abdullah noted the economic anxieties among Jordanians who are facing a rising cost of living, a recession and a record 19 per cent unemployment rate.

“I know and feel the hardships of every single one of my dear fellow Jordanians,” the monarch said.

“I see it in the eyes of a father who wants to put bread on the table, the unemployed young man worried about his future, and military and civilian pensioners.

“Every one of you has a family to provide for, and I am responsible for an entire nation,” the king said. “Today many are asking: where are we headed? To them I say: Jordan is moving steadily forward, the most difficult reforms are behind us, and a promising future lies ahead.”

King Abdullah noted that the government has released the first part of a new economic package designed to reduce the burden on Jordanians and stimulate the economy after two years of tax-heavy austerity measures meant to reduce the national debt.

He pledged that further programmes would be announced by the government, which was reshuffled last week.

“I hereby direct the government to work vigorously and efficiently to take further bold measures to advance the national economy,” the king said.

“The government will announce other detailed packages, including a review of regulations and legislation related to taxes and customs, in order to facilitate business and reduce the burden on citizens.”

Economists, observers and business owners agree that rising taxes on goods and fuel have been a major obstacle to growth in Jordan.

The government estimated last year that the average Jordanian pays 27 per cent of their income in taxes and fees.

When his majesty mentioned the return of Baqoura it received more applause than anything, even tax cuts ORAIB RANTAWI Al Quds Centre for Political Studies