His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday reiterated that there would be no restrictions on press freedom in the Kingdom.

Attending an iftar banquet held by the Jordan Press Association (JPA) at the King Hussein Convention Centre on the shores of the Dead Sea, the King expressed pride in the Jordanian press and workers in the field, pinpointing the huge responsibilities media people shoulder.

King Abdullah said at the gathering, which was attended by 500 JPA members, that both the state and independent media have a role in upgrading professional standards and supporting young journalists as well as providing them with training opportunities.

JPA President Tareq Momani thanked King Abdullah for his support for the media, stressing that the association is keen “to ensure that the press in Jordan would be as His Majesty wants it, a crystal-clear mirror honestly reflecting” developments in the country.

Momani paid tribute to the King's support for the association's efforts to have new headquarters, housing a training centre and a press club. The JPA's new premises are expected to open within months.

He also highlighted some of the JPA needs such as increasing the number of beneficiaries from a housing project.

After the iftar, the King honoured winners of the King Hussein Award for Excellence in Journalism.

The winners were: Khalid Mahadeen for best opinion article, Mohammad Abu Areedah for best investigative report, Riham Fakhouri and Rakan Saeideh who shared the award for best news story, and Yousef Mashaqbeh for best TV report.

The King also presented token gifts of appreciation to veteran media workers, who have been in the profession for over 25 years. They included Jordan Press Foundation Director General Nader Horani, Amina Tayeh, Jumaa Shawabkeh, Abdul Hafeeth Abu Qaoud, Ahmad Theiban, and Hani Nassrallah, in addition to Momani.