Jordan assumes PA-UfM presidency

Jordan on Friday was announced as president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM).The announcement was made during the ninth session of the PA-UfM which kicked off on Thursday in Brussels with the participation of southern and northern Mediterranean countries.In remarks at the meeting, Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament Saad Hayel Srour stressed the need to overcome joint challenges in the Mediterranean region, noting the importance of cooperation to achieve more progress, prosperity and welfare.“We all follow up on outcomes and consequences of “the Arab Spring”, Srour said, expressing hope that such movement would lead to enhance democracy, freedom, justice, equity, creativity and progress.In a joint press conference with former President of the PA-UfM Martin Schulz, Srour praised efforts exerted by all member states in various fields.“We will exert every possible effort to serve the joint visions of our nations to face political, social and economic problems”, Srour said.He also stressed the need to activate the Euro- Mediterranean parliamentary dialogue to promote cooperation and serve joint interests.On Syria, Srour expressed Jordan’s rejection of interference in Syria’s internal affairs, noting the importance of dialogue to end the crisis and realize stability.He also underlined the growing number of the Syrian refugees in Jordan, noting the burden Jordan bears due to the growing influx of the refugees.Srour affirmed that the Palestinian issue is the central challenge and cause of conflict in the region, and that without reaching a fair and comprehensive solution for it, the region and the world will not enjoy security and stability.A number of Jordanian senators and deputies took part in various committees during the 2-day session