Jordan Islamists vow to continue protests until reforms adopted

Thu, 10 Mar 2011

Amman - Jordan's main opposition party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), said Thursday protests should continue in Jordan until the achievement of the demanded "constitutional and legal reforms".

The call came amid plans by activists to hold a demonstration on Friday to press for the dissolution of the lower house of parliament, which was elected in November.

"The popular mobility should continue until the achievement of our goals in building up prosperous Jordan that guarantees dignity and better future for its sons," the IAF said in a statement.

The IAF, the political arm of the influential Muslim Brotherhood movement, said that "Jordan is not an exception from the glorious Arab nation which is now struggling to ensure its place under the sun", a reference to the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

The statement alluded to calls for Jordan to become a constitutional monarchy that envisages limits to the king's powers, foremost the appointment of prime ministers and cabinet ministers.

The calls hav e been opposed by Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit and a number of legislators.

Under a series of demonstrations which found inspiration from the revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, King Abdullah II sacked the government of former Prime Minister Samir Rifai last month and assigned Bakhit's cabinet the task of carrying out "real and speedy reforms".

During a meeting with leaders of political parties on Wednesday, the monarch urged the formation of parties that have programs that meet the acceptance of all sectors of Jordanian society.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/371137,continue-protests-reforms-adopted.html.