Jordan's King sacks government, ushers in political reform process
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Amman, Feb 1, IRNA -- Jordan's King Adbullah sacked the government of prime minister Samir Rifai on Tuesday and assigned Marouf Bakhit, a former prime minister, to form a new government.
Observers in Amman said that the measure taken by King Abdullah indicated the need to usher in reform in Jordan being sought by the public.
King Abdullah assigned Bakhit that his main task will be to “take quick, concrete and practical steps to launch a genuine political reform process,” Amman T.V. said.
'The process should put the country on the path “to strengthen democracy,” and provide Jordanians with the “dignified life they deserve,” King Abdullah said.
IRNA reporter in Amman said that Bakhit was previously an ambassador to Israel and served as premier in the wake of terrorist attacks in Jordan that targeted several hotels in Amman.
Last Friday, thousands took to the streets in Amman as well as several other cities shouting, “We want change.”
Because direct criticism of the king is banned, the focus has been on his government. Banners decried high food and fuel prices and demanded the resignation of the prime minister, appointed by the king.
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