His Majesty King Abdullah II Addresses Nation on Independence Day

(Royal Hashemite Court, Media & Communication Directorate - Amman) His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday called on people to hold on to optimism and hope, emphasising that the Kingdom is on the right track towards achievement and prosperity. 

In a speech to the nation on the 62nd anniversary of Independence Day on Sunday, King Abdullah said, “My optimism, hope and confidence in the future stems from my trust in Jordanian youth… from my belief in [people's] will and capability to meet challenges and make the future that we want for our homeland and the coming generations.”.  Her Majesty Queen Rania and Royal Family members were present at a celebration to mark the anniversary at Zahran Palace. An array of officials, community leaders and representatives from various sectors of the Kingdom also participated.  Referring to the political situation and conditions surrounding the Kingdom, the King said the country is dealing with the latest developments with wisdom and awareness in order to preserve the Kingdom's security and stability and its balanced relations with neighbouring countries and friends.  King Abdullah, who reiterated Jordan's support for the Palestinian cause, said he would not spare any effort to support the Palestinians and would employ the Kingdom's good relations with influential states and international circles to empower the Palestinians to attain their rights and establish an independent state on Palestinian land.  Jordan is committed to the option of a just peace on the basis of international resolutions and within the unanimous Arab consensus on a peaceful settlement, the King said in his speech.  In the speech, King Abdullah also discussed political development, guaranteeing basic freedoms for citizens and civil society institutions and enhancing participation in decision making, noting that these are guaranteed by the Constitution.  These rights, King Abdullah said, are major requirements for realising sustainable, comprehensive development. He added that this goal cannot be realised except in an environment governed by freedom, pluralism, tolerance, respect for others' opinions and the rule of law and equal opportunity.  The King said he directed the government to cooperate with Parliament to pass a legislation related to political development, especially concerning the protection of children and women's rights, the facilitation of public gatherings and the enhancement of the role and independence of charitable organisations and other civil society institutions.  At the end of the ceremony, the King bestowed medals on 10 Jordanian personalities in recognition of their distinguished contributions and achievements in their fields.