Jordan Gradually Begins Reopening Economy

A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)
A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)
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Jordan Gradually Begins Reopening Economy

A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)
A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)

Jordan’s government order to reopen economic sectors “gradually and safely” came into effect on Tuesday and will be applied within a three-month period as it attempts to return to normal following the coronavirus pandemic.

Sports centers and academies, fitness centers, sports clubs, indoor swimming pools in hotels and residential and tourist complexes, public swimming pools, equestrian clubs, academies and vocational and technical training centers resumed operation and were allowed to open in accordance within specified working hours.

Also, Turkish and oriental baths, billiards and snooker centers, arcade games centers, amusement parks and indoor children’s playing areas reopened their doors on Tuesday.

The decision further included cinemas, educational and cultural centers and health clubs. It allowed the serving of hookahs outdoors at squares, restaurants, cafes and hotel facilities.

Starting mid-June, people who received the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to move and roam the kingdom’s cities during curfew hours.

Under the decision, people wishing to visit the opened facilities will have to present their ID card, health verification code or vaccination certificate through the “Sanad” mobile app. Violators may face a fine of up to 50 dinars.

Jordan has confirmed 737,284 infections and 9,472 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.



EU’s Borrell Urges Israel to Accept Lebanon Ceasefire ‘Today’

 European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)
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EU’s Borrell Urges Israel to Accept Lebanon Ceasefire ‘Today’

 European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)

The European Union's foreign policy chief urged the Israeli government on Tuesday to back a proposed ceasefire deal in Lebanon which he said has all the necessary security guarantees for Israel.

Speaking at a G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Italy, Josep Borrell said there was no excuse for not implementing the deal with Iran-backed Hezbollah, adding pressure should be exerted on Israel to approve it immediately.

"Let's hope that today (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu will approve the ceasefire agreement proposed by the US and France. No more excuses. No more additional requests," Borrell said, criticizing hard-line Israeli ministers who have spoken against the deal.

Israel looks set to approve a US plan for a ceasefire with Hezbollah on Tuesday, a senior Israeli official said.

Borrell, who said he discussed prospects for a deal in a recent trip to Lebanon, said one of the sticking points was whether France should be included in a committee monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire, which the US is due to chair.

He said the Lebanese have specifically asked for France's involvement, but the Israelis have misgivings.

"This is one of the points that are still missing," he said.

Borrell also criticized what he saw as Western double standards on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former defense chief, and a Hamas leader, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.

"You cannot applaud when the court goes against (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and remain silent when the court goes against Netanyahu," he said, urging European Union member states to support the ICC.

Italy, which holds the G7 presidency, said on Monday it was trying to broker a common position for the group on the ICC decision, but progress is hard since the US has said it does not recognizethe jurisdiction of the court and opposes the arrest warrant for Netanyahu.

The G7 comprises the US, Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Canada and Japan.