Jordanian king accepts PM's resignation

AMMAN - King Abdullah II of Jordan on Saturday accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, but entrusted him to continue to serve as a caretaker premier until a new cabinet is formed.

The Jordanian leader sent a letter to Razzaz which accepted his resignation and voiced appreciation to the government especially for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic through integrated efforts among state institutions, according to a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court.

"Jordan worked in coordination with countries around the world to counter the humanitarian and economic ramifications imposed by the pandemic. The health and wellbeing of citizens were the ultimate goals for all the steps and measures taken, and those we continue to take," the king said in the letter.

Despite the cabinet's efforts in setting plans and programs, and implementing priorities, it is important to learn from the mistakes that marked aspects of the response to COVID-19, with methods to address it being refined day by day, said the king in the letter.

In his letter of resignation, Razzaz said his government has succeeded at times and made mistakes as well, but tried to course-correct in service of Jordan and its citizens.

Razzaz said COVID-19 had an impact on his cabinet's 2020 priorities, with safeguarding public health and well-being becoming the main goal.