Amman, JIB— His Majesty King Abdullah II said on Tuesday that the government is committed to enhancing the principles of citizenship and belonging, to making a clear and frank commitment to the homelands principles and top realizing political pluralisms and respect of the opinion of the majority.

The king affirmed in a speech from the throne at the opening of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the 14th Parliament, that the government will work towards fulfilling all the forthcoming political and constitutional duties, primary among them are holding parliamentary elections and protecting Jordanians human rights.

"The next phase of the government's work will be based on a number of these national principles, primary among: improving Jordanians' living standards, preserving public freedoms, enhancing popular participation, enhancing the judiciary's independence, enhancing transparency and accountability, focusing on human resource development and self-sufficiency and strengthening the pillars of financial stability and those of our currency," the King added.

His Majesty stressed the importance and necessity of finalizing the laws sent to the parliament, especially those regulating political parties, municipalities, media and freedom of information.

The King said that the internal and external challenges are numerous and dangerous and could be faced only by realizing more economic, social, political, and legislative achievements and by maintaining a fast pace of achievement, modernization and development in a climate of security and stability.

King Abdullah reiterated the commitment of the government to offering all possible support to the Palestinians so that they can regain their rights and establish their independent state on Palestinian soil, in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy and international peace initiatives. "The government will continue to stand by the Iraqi people and by Iraq's unity, sovereignty, security and stability," he added.

His Majesty said that we should shoulder responsibilities towards our religion, Islam, and the issues that concern Muslims around eh world. "We are the most eligible to defend Islam and show its brightness to the world around us by refusing the accusations against it and challenging the campaigns to distort it by some Muslim extremists and some non-Muslims. (Full Text)