Brussels, 06/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Štefan Füle announced on Thursday 6 October that Jordan may benefit from the new European aid programme, SPRING. “Within the framework of the new programme 'Support for Partnership, Reform and Inclusive Growth' (SPRING), we are focusing on challenges in a number of areas including human rights, good governance and democracy. Due to the strong reform effort, Jordan is well positioned among frontrunners to benefit from SPRING”, the commissioner announced after a meeting with Jaffar Hassan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan. The commissioner received from Hassan the country's new action plan, which gives an overview of key reforms already adopted by Jordan.
“We discussed the constitutional amendments adopted by the parliament which represent important progress in the ongoing political reform efforts of Jordan”, Füle said. He added that implementation of the amendments is essential to maintain the momentum and credibility of the process, adding: “These reforms should lead to the consolidation of the institutions safeguarding democracy and the rule of law and the empowerment of the political parties”. The two men discussed the new electoral law and the law on political parties, to be discussed in parliament in October, and which should “ensure genuine pluralism and respond to the legitimate aspirations of the citizens”.
Štefan Füle said the EU would study the Jordanian action plan and remain resolute in
supporting that country's efforts in its political, economic and social reforms, and in providing Jordan
with assistance. (CG/transl.jl)