Jordan Parliament Demands Ban On Israel Gas Imports
Muhammad Irfan Published January 19, 2020 | 05:40 PM
Amman, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jan, 2020 ) :Jordan's parliament Sunday voted in favour of a law to ban gas imports from Israel, weeks after the Jewish state began pumping it to the kingdom in a $10 billion deal.
It remained unclear however whether the government in Amman would back the legislative push against an agreement which it has said improves energy security for Jordanians.
Earlier, this month Israel began exporting gas from the offshore Leviathan field to neighbours Jordan and Egypt -- the only two Arab countries it has peace treaties with -- under a 15-year agreement.
The deal struck with the Amman government sparked streets protests in Jordan, where many consider Israel as an enemy.
"The majority has voted to send an urgent motion to the government" requesting a law banning Israeli gas imports to Jordan, parliamentary speaker Atef Tarawneh said, in remarks carried live by state television.
TV footage showed a majority of MPs in parliament's lower house stand up to back the motion, which was decided after 58 out of the 130-strong legislature last month demanded such a ban in a letter to the legislature.
The motion passed on Sunday will be send to the government for its approval and must be sent back to the legislature for a formal vote.
The text states that "the government, its ministries and state institutions and companies are prohibited from importing gas from Israel".
On Friday hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets of Amman denouncing the "shameful" deal with Israel and calling on the government to scrap it, holding up placards "we will not be partners in the crime".
Jordan imports nearly 98 percent of its energy needs, and has long relied on gas, heavy fuel oil and diesel to run its power plants.
The cash-strapped desert kingdom with few natural resources has defended the deal saying it would cut US $ 600 million a year from the state'senergy bill.
For years Jordan had relied on Egyptian gas supplies but a spate of attacks on the export pipeline that runs through the restive Sinai Peninsula had disrupted that flow.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SC orders end of encroachments in Karachi
Nazish Jahangir denies viral screenshots, calls them fake
Govt likely to hike electricity price once again
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
16 days ago