Jordanian minister resigns; 'sorry' for offending media

Mon, 25 Oct 2010

Amman - Jordan's King Abdullah II Monday accepted the resignation of his environmental minister, who apologized for offending the media.

The royal court said in a statement that Hazem Malhas had tendered his resignation earlier in the day to Prime Minister Samir Rifai. He acknowledged his responsibility in making remarks against the media and journalists during a workshop at the UN offices in Amman on Sunday, Minister of State for Media Affairs Ali Ayed said.

"Malhas apologized for his unintentional offense against certain media establishments and media men and affirmed his respect for the Jordanian media which operate in accordance with the profession's observed standards and ethics," he added.

Malhas reportedly clashed with certain journalists accusing them of "ignorance and lack of precision".

The remarks drew sharp reaction from the Jordan Press Association which issued a strongly worded protest and urged Rifai to take punitive action against the minister.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/350352,resigns-sorry-offending-media.html.