Jordan's Islamist opposition to join protests

2011-01-12

Demonstrations are planned this week despite measures by Jordanian government to ease economic pressure.

AMMAN - Jordan's Islamist opposition said on Wednesday it would join in planned demonstrations this week over jobs and inflation, despite measures by the government to ease economic pressure.

"We decided to participate in the demonstration after Friday prayers," Jamil Abu Bakr, a spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, said.

Mohammad Sneid, a popular trade unionist representing government workers who are paid on a daily basis, has called for a nationwide protest on Friday after midday prayers.

"Protests will take place in the southern cities of Maan Tafileh, Karak and Aqaba, as well as Irbid in the north and Salt in the west, and Madada and Dhiban in central Jordan," Sneid said.

He said the slogan of the protests is "a march for the downfall of (Prime Minister Samir) Rifai for a decent living."

The Brotherhood's participation is expected to broaden the protests.

Jordan announced a 169-million-dollar plan on Tuesday to reduce prices of commodities, including fuel, and create jobs in a bid to face rising popular discontent.

The new measures came after King Abdullah II instructed the premier to take "immediate and effective measures to mitigate the impact of rising prices of commodities on citizens," a senior official said.

The official also said a decision to increase public transportation fees has been frozen, despite hikes in fuel prices.

Jordanians complain of growing unemployment as inflation last month reached 6.1 percent.

The measures to control prices and create jobs follow widespread violent protests and fatal clashes with police in Algeria and Tunisia over inflation.

Source: Middle East Online.
Link: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=43612.