Jordanians call for political reforms

Fri Mar 18, 2011

Hundreds of Jordanians have taken to the streets of the capital, Amman, demanding political reforms and the dissolution of the kingdom's parliament.

Protesters also urged Jordan's King Abdullah to speed up the process of promised political reforms, warning that procrastination would only bring about more dissent in the country.

"The people want to reform the regime and constitution. The people want to dissolve parliament. Change and reform is a popular demand," protesters chanted outside al-Husseini mosque in Amman's city center after the Friday Prayers.

"We want true reforms that meet people's demands and aspirations. The people are the source of all powers," read one banner.

Protesters, mainly supporters of the Islamic Action Front, have been calling for sweeping political reforms, including a new electoral law that would lead to a parliamentary government and elected prime minister.

Currently the king appoints the prime minister.

Jordanian protesters say they will continue street protests until their demands are met. The protesters have been on the streets since January.

Jordan's king, who has already offered a series of concessions to end the protests, has reportedly called for an early election by the end of 2011.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian government said on Friday that although Amman backs a UN Security Council resolution that imposed a no-fly zone in Libya, it will not take part in possible airstrikes against the North African country.

"Jordan definitely supports the UN Security Council resolution, which has been called for by the Arab League. But the kingdom will not participate in any military operations against Libya," Information Minister Taher Adwan told AFP.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/170615.html.