Jordan's opposition party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), has rejected any plans to set up a casino club in the southern port city of Aqaba. In a statement, quoted by the local press on Tuesday, the IAF said that such a move would violate the kingdom's principles, constitution and interests.
"Licensing a gambling club in Jordan, the land where several of the Prophet's companions are buried, contradicts the country's principle and constitution, which stipulates that Islam is the country's religion, and it gives the impression that the nation haslet go of Shariah (Islamic law)," the statement added.
The IAF urged the government to “halt its plans to continue with this sin, which will unleash God's wrath upon us and the country.”
One day before the opposition's statement was published, the prime ministry's bureau of the interpretation of laws had decided that legislation governing the Aqaba special economic zone does not forbid the establishment of casinos. However, the bureau stressed access to any casinos in the country, which should be restricted to foreigners, could attract more tourists into the kingdom. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
