Day: April 16, 2025

Amman: The United Nations Security Council convened a session to discuss the ongoing crisis in South Sudan. Members were briefed by Nicholas Haysom, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), during the meeting.

According to Jordan News Agency, Haysom emphasized that the renewed peace agreement remains the only viable framework to end the cycle of violence in South Sudan. He highlighted that UNMISS is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the crisis, working closely with stakeholders such as the African Union and the Security Council.

In addition, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, addressed the session on the escalating violence and its impact on the population. Wosornu reported that 9.3 million South Sudanese, representing three-quarters of the country’s population, will require humanitarian assistance this year, with children comprising half of those in need. She outlined that the humanitarian needs and response plan for the year calls for $1.7 billion to aid nearly 5.4 million people.

Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday a historic agreement among its members aimed at better preparing for and combating future pandemics. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “This marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a safer world,” adding, “Today, the nations of the world made history in Geneva.”

According to Jordan News Agency, the WHO confirmed that “member states have made a significant step forward in efforts to make the world safer from pandemics by drafting an agreement that will be considered by the World Health Assembly next month in May.” The legally binding agreement aims to strengthen the world’s defenses against emerging pathogens.

Amman: The Ministry of Culture continued its “Our Flag is High” campaign on Wednesday evening, marking Flag Day, at the Parliament Life Museum in Amman. During his attendance at the event, Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh told the Jordan News Agency (Petra), “In our beloved capital, we continue our celebrations by raising the Jordanian flag, which holds significant meaning in the history of Jordan, representing the social, cultural, and economic progress the Kingdom has witnessed.”

According to Jordan News Agency, the ministry shares this occasion with the citizens of the nation by launching the “Our Flag is High” campaign and raising the Jordanian flag, which they proudly display. The event, part of the kingdom’s celebrations of Flag Day, was attended by the ministry’s acting secretary-general, Maher Nafsh, and several ministry officials. The PSD’s orchestra, consisting of 22 musicians, performed national tunes in the museum courtyard, which resonated with the audience.

The activities included the distribution of Jordanian flags, gifts for children, and paintings of the flag, as well as national expressions on children’s faces. A child recited a Bedouin poem praising the nation, its achievements, and the Hashemite leadership, while a girl recited a national poem in classical Arabic poetry, expressing pride in the nation, the flag, and its wise Hashemite leadership.

The event also saw the distribution of Jordanian flags to vehicles on Zahran Street, where the museum is located, amid expressions of joy and pride among the citizens.

Amman: Major U.S. stock indexes slid sharply on Wednesday, driven by renewed concerns over reciprocal tariffs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 699 points to close at 39,669, marking a 1.73 percent decline. The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 516 points to 16,307, a 3.07 percent drop. The S and P 500 Index also declined, shedding about 121 points to reach 5,275, a 2.24 percent decrease. Meanwhile, U.S. crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose slightly to $62.77 per barrel.

According to Jordan News Agency, these market movements reflect investor worries over potential economic implications of ongoing tariff discussions. The concerns have resurfaced in recent days, causing sell-offs across different sectors. The decline in these major indexes underscores the market’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments and trade policies.

Investors are closely monitoring the situation as further developments could impact global trade dynamics. The fluctuations in oil prices, with WTI seeing a slight rise, indicate varying market reactions to the broader economic environment.

Amman: The Jordan Scholars Association on Wednesday strongly condemned any form of disruption or threat to Jordan’s security and stability, asserting that national security is a fundamental principle in Islam and must not be undermined under any pretext.

According to Jordan News Agency, in a statement, the association emphasized that safeguarding the homeland and its security is a religious duty and a humanitarian necessity, as established by clear texts in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The statement cited the verse, “And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation.”

The association urged all Jordanians to unite behind the country’s leadership and security agencies, calling for unity and cooperation to preserve Jordan’s stability and protect its people. It quoted the verse, “And hold firmly together to the rope of Allah and do not be divided,” as a reminder of collective responsibility in facing those who attempt to sow discord or threaten security.

The association also reiterated the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and constructive engagement for the nation’s advancement. “Jordan belongs to all its citizens, and its security is a collective responsibility,” the statement said, invoking the verse, “The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another.”

It praised the dedication of loyal citizens who place the country’s interest above all else, reaffirming that Jordan would remain a steadfast fortress under its Hashemite banner, with the support of its Arab Army, security services, and the unity of its people.

The association stressed the need for firm action against anyone attempting to destabilize the nation and called on Jordanians to stand in solidarity against those who harbor ill intentions toward the country and its role in promoting peace and stability.

Expressing full confidence in the integrity and fairness of the Jordanian judiciary in handling this and all domestic matters, the association affirmed its full support both administrative and public for Jordan’s wise Hashemite leadership and valiant security forces.

“May God protect our beloved Jordan from all forms of discord, both visible and hidden. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds,” the statement concluded.