Jordan cabinet reshuffled amid protests

Sat Jul 2, 2011

The Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit has reshuffled his cabinet in a bid to ease the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in the country seeking his resignation.

Eleven new ministers received a Royal Decree from King Abdullah II on Saturday, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Bakhit's cabinet was formed in February 2011, and since then three lawmakers have resigned due to months long anti-government demonstrations.

King Abdullah II responded to the protesters' demand when he dismissed former Prime Minister Samir Rifai and replaced him with Bakhit in February.

The protesters, however, continued their demonstrations, calling for Bakhit to be replaced with a democratic government. The Jordanians want the premier ousted and the parliament dissolved.

"Reform is demanded by the public and a crucial passage for survival. The regime must meet such demands and start genuine reform measures, not only cosmetic measures. The government should stop referring to parliament legislation that is categorized as military laws in a democratic dress. The government of Bakhit has expired. We are badly in need of a national salvation government," Muslim Brotherhood leader Zai Bani said last week.

Moreover, there have been several violent clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters, who also are demanding an end to ties with Israel.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/187192.html.