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Friday, April 8, 2011

Jordan's king calls for national unity

Amid rare calls for change in the kingdom, Abdullah tells supporters that reforms are on track.

27 Mar 2011

Jordan's King Abdullah II has called for national unity three days after clashes between protesters and government supporters led to the death of one man and left 160 people injured.

"The most important thing now is our national unity, which must not be touched," the king told tribal leaders on Sunday in the southern town of Petra, a major archaeological and tourist site.

"We need to stay away from any behavior or attitude that would affect our unity."

Jordan "is going ahead with political and economic reforms, strongly and enthusiastically. There is nothing that we fear," the state-run Petra news agency quoted the king as saying.

"We understand the difficult circumstances and challenges in the country and the region, but we are optimistic about the future that we are trying to build."

Cheering subjects waved Jordanian flags and chanted "long live our beloved king" as Abdullah stood outside his vehicle to salute them.

'Fatal beating'

The king's comments came as Jordanians mourned the death of 55-year-old Khairi Saad who died in the unrest that has been rocking the country for the past three months and much of the Arab world.

The man was killed as police broke up a pro-reform protest camp set up near the interior ministry in the capital, Amman, after 200 government supporters threw stones at 2,000 young demonstrators.

Saad's family has said he died after "receiving several blows to his body," but the coroner said a post-mortem proved he died of heart failure.

"The cause of the death was heart failure," Qais Qsous, the chief forensic doctor, said. He insisted that there were "no marks of beatings on his face and body".

The government claimed Saad as a supporter, while the opposition and his brother, Saeed Saad, disputed that, saying his brother was "brutally beaten" by police.

"He was a follower of the Muslim Brotherhood," Saeed said. The Brotherhood's political arm, the Islamic Action Front, is Jordan's largest opposition group.

He said his brother joined anti-government protesters on Thursday and camped out in an Amman square with the crowd. The clashes with government supporters erupted on Friday.

"He was bringing food to the group when police beat him to death," he said.

"I saw blood on his face when we took him to the morgue for an autopsy," he said. "There were clear marks of torture and beatings on his face."

It was the first death since the outbreak of pro-reform protests in Jordan three months ago.

The Islamist opposition and other groups, which called on Saturday for the ouster of Marruf Bakhit, the prime minister, have been urging sweeping political reforms, including an amended electoral law, leading to a parliamentary government and elected premier.

Parliament on Sunday rejected calls to limit the king's powers to pave the way for a constitutional monarchy.

Source: al-Jazeera.
Link: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011327203224334931.html.

Jordan parliament rejects calls to limit king's powers

Sun, 27 Mar 2011

Amman - Jordan's lower house of parliament on Sunday rejected opposition calls to limit King Abdullah II's constitutional powers as part of targeted political reforms.

"The house categorically rejects political blackmail and calls by some people for limiting the king's constitutional powers," the chamber said in a statement.

"Such calls do not reflect the convictions of the Jordanian community and seek to fragment the Jordanian state," it said.

Prominent opposition figures recently suggested that the country be turned into a "constitutional monarchy" through the annulment of all amendments introduced into the 1952 constitution, which provided for a "parliamentary and hereditary monarchy."

The critics in particular cited the king's power to appoint the prime minister and cabinet ministers, and said the formation of governments should be decided by elections.

The house said political reforms should be decided through "constructive dialogue and not through the street," in a reference to a series of demonstrations in Jordan over the past three months that were inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt that led to the ouster of long-time presidents.

Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit earlier this week lashed out at the Muslim Brotherhood movement and its political arm, the Islamic Action Front, for boycotting meetings of the National Dialogue Committee he had set up to consider the reforms proposed by the king.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/373557,calls-limit-kings-powers.html.

Jordan opposition demands PM's ouster after unrest

28/03/2011

By Randa Habib

AMMAN, Jordan (AFP) -- Jordan's Islamist opposition, leftists and trade unions on Saturday demanded the ouster of Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit, blaming him for violence that has killed one person and injured 160.

"The Islamist movement demands the resignation, or the sacking, of the government and the formation of a national unity and reformist government that would win the people's trust and protect their lives," said Hamzah Mansur, chief of the powerful Islamic Action Front.

"Any government that kills citizens loses legitimacy," he told a news conference.

Youth movements, who like the Islamists have been demanding reforms, backed the call.

"We demand the prime minister and intelligence chief [Mohammed Raqqad] quit," Firas Mahadin of the March 24 youth group told reporters. "We have reached a point of no return."

His father, Muwaffaq Mahadin, a prominent leftist writer, warned "the country is heading towards a civil war and the government is responsible for that because it wants to avoid reforms."

The rift between the government and Islamists widened after the premier on Friday accused the main opposition movement of spreading "chaos" following the death of a protester, the first in the kingdom.

"We have invited the Muslim Brotherhood for talks, away from protests and demonstrations, but apparently they have an agenda to create chaos in the country," Bakhit said on television.

Mansur accused the government of "crimes against humanity."

"The government of Maaruf Bakhit has given proof that it does not believe in reform, it is a government with blood on its hands which today has committed crimes against humanity," he said.

The IAF is the political arm of the Brotherhood which found protection in Jordan in the 1950s and 1980s when its members were persecuted in Egypt and Syria.

Adopting an unusually strident tone, Bakhit accused the Brotherhood of "taking orders from the Muslim brothers in Egypt and Syria."

The Islamists rejected his accusations.

"We always hear such lies from time to time. We are leaders and we have the right to consult with our brothers in Damascus about the Palestinian cause," Brotherhood leader Hammam Said told reporters.

"We do not take orders or instructions from anybody."

But in a conciliatory tone Bakhit later said the Islamists are "a segment of society and the government is ready for dialogue whenever they wish."

"We respect the opposition. We tried our best to contact the Islamist leaders on Thursday to avert sedition, but they preferred escalation," the state-run Petra news agency quoted him as telling senators at a meeting.

Friday's violence in Amman, the first since protests erupted three months ago, left one person dead and 160 wounded, according to police.

"Around 83 policemen and 77 civilians have been injured and hospitalized," police chief Hussein Majali told a joint press conference with Interior Minister Saad Srur.

Srur said that authorities were questioning 21 people who were arrested in connection with Friday's violence.

Meanwhile the son of the protester killed Friday said he will not be buried before Srur quits.

"We refuse to take his body from the morgue and we will not bury him unless we receive an official apology and the interior minister resigns," Khairy Saad Jamil's son, Nasser, 34, told AFP.

He said his father died after "receiving several blows to his body" but the state coroner said an autopsy proved he died of heart failure.

"He suffered from cardiomegaly [heart enlargement] and arteriosclerosis," said Yusef Mohammad Ibrahim. "There were knee scratches and two missing teeth, but no traces of blows."

Friday's clashes erupted when about 200 government supporters threw stones at 2,000 young demonstrators, including the Islamists. Also on Friday police broke up a protest camp set up near the interior ministry.

"The principles of democracy and freedom of expression have been violated. An independent and neutral probe into the attack against protesters is needed," said the National Center for Human Rights, whose board is appointed by the government.

The government has formed a national dialogue commission -- which has been rejected by the Islamists -- but 15 of its members have quit saying authorities were not serious about reforms.

Source: Ma'an News Agency.
Link: http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=372657.

Syndicates' Representative Withdraws from National Dialogue Committee following weekend attacks on protesters

2011-03-25

AMMONNEWS - Head of the Jordanian Professional Associations Council and the Agricultural Engineers' Association Abdul Hadi Falahat on Friday announced his withdrawal from the National Dialogue Committee and joining the 24 March Youth Movement.

Also on Friday, Head of the Students' Union at the University of Jordan Abdul Salam mansour also announced withdrawing from the National Dialogue Committee, which was formed earlier in the Month under the chairmanship of Senate President Taher Al Masri.

Informed sources also told Ammon News that other members are deliberating withdrawing from the committee, following continued attacks on protesters at Gamal Abdul Nasser Square (Interior Ministry Circle).

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11770.

3 Hizb ut Tahrir members arrested at Amman Mosque

2011-03-25

AMMONNEWS - Three members of the Hizb ut Tahrir movement were arrested on Friday allegedly for distributing pamphlets calling for reform.

A source at the Islamist Hizb ut Tahrir movement, which is banned in Jordan, told Ammon News that police arrested the three young men for distributing flyers and pamphlets calling for comprehensive reforms in Jordan at the University of Jordan Mosque ahead of Friday prayer.

The source added that a protest was planned to launch from the mosque on Friday, but police preempted by arresting the members.

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11767.

Two dead, scores hurt in Jordanian clashes

Two killed and 100 injured in clashes in Amman as kingdom's prime minister warns of chaos and consequences.

25 Mar 2011

Two persons are reported to have been killed after being beaten to death by riot police and pro-government loyalists in the Jordanian capital of Amman, Al Jazeera has learned.

More than 100 people, including policemen, were injured in the clashes, a medical source at the scene said.

Anti-riot police also broke up a protest camp for students and arrested several of them, a security official told AFP news agency.

The clashes erupted after around 200 government supporters hurled large stones at more than 2,000 young demonstrators from different movements calling for reforms to the current leadership and more efforts to fight corruption, an AFP journalist reported.

"Our gathering is peaceful, but this did not prevent the attacks," demonstrators said.

"Does the king agree with such actions? We are Jordanians and we have the right to express ourselves," said Reda Darwish, aged 20.

"We as young Jordanians, and as a whole nation, are fed up to see our demands ignored by the government and official institutions of this country," youth activist Moadh Khawaldeh told Al Jazeera.

'Start of chaos'

Speaking on Jordanian television, Marouf al-Bakhit, the country's prime minister, blamed an opposition Islamist group for the clashes.

"What happened today is definitely the start of chaos and it is unacceptable and I warn of the consequences," said Bakhit.

Trouble broke out at nightfall on Thursday when police attempted to disperse the youths, cutting off electricity to the square around 11:00 pm (2100 GMT), an AFP journalist witnessed.

Protesters said around 50 "loyalists" attacked them with rocks after the power supply was lost, adding that police who surrounded the scene did not intervene.

"We hold the interior minister responsible for this incident and we call on the king and the people to protect us from these thugs who are attacking us," said Nihad Zuhair, another protester.

The protesters want corrupt officials to be put on trial and security services to stop interfering in their affairs.

"The revolution is happening all around us," they shouted. "Jordan, your turn is coming."

"We want constitutional amendments to have parliamentary governments," said Alaa Fazaa of the Jayeen (We are Coming) group, adding the protests would go on until their demands were met.

Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Al-Hussein Gardens west of Amman to express loyalty and allegiance to the king, dancing to national songs and waving large national flags and pictures of the monarch.

Source: al-Jazeera.
Link: http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2011/03/201132517059876641.html.

مقتل شخص في فض اعتصام الأردن

25/3/2011 م

محمد النجار-عمان

فضت قوات الأمن وموالون للحكومة بالأردن بالقوة اعتصام حركة شباب 24 مارس/آذار بميدان جمال عبد الناصر وسط العاصمة عمان مما أدى إلى مصرع شخص واعتقال عدد من المعتصمين. جاء ذلك بعد هجمات تعرض لها المعتصمون ممن يطلق عليهم البلطجية مما أدى إلى إصابة مائة شخص.

وقال جميل شقيق القتيل خيري مصطفى السعد إن قوات الدرك ضربت أخاه على رأسه حتى الموت.

وقد أزالت قوات الدرك الخيام من ميدان جمال عبد الناصر وأغلقته من كل الجهات، في حين ينظم موالون للحكومة -الذين اعتدوا على المتظاهرين في وقت سابق- احتفالا في الموقع بفض الاعتصام.

وجاءت هذه التطورات بعد إعلان عشرات الشخصيات الأردنية انحيازها لاعتصام حركة شباب 24 آذار بميدان جمال عبد الناصر بهدف "حمايتها" بعد أن سجلت أكثر من مائة إصابة بين المعتصمين منذ بدء الاعتصام المفتوح ظهر الخميس.

وأعلن المراقب العام السابق للإخوان المسلمين سالم الفلاحات باسمه واسم عشرات الشخصيات انحيازهم للاعتصام لحماية الشباب من هجمات من يوصفون بـ"البلطجية" الذين واصلوا رمي الحجارة باتجاه الاعتصام مما أدى لإصابة حوالي 60 شابا حتى ساعات عصر الجمعة.

وحمل الفلاحات باسم الشخصيات السياسية والحزبية "النظام" بكافة أركانه مسؤولية الاعتداءات التي يتعرض لها المعتصمون، وقال في كلمة في الاعتصام إن انضمامهم للاعتصام لا يملي على الشبان أي أجندات، وإنهم بوصفهم قيادات ينصاعون للشباب الذين قال إنهم ملوا من تقصير القيادات السياسية في الأردن.

كما أعلن رئيس مجلس النقابات المهنية عبد الهادي الفلاحات انضمام النقابات لمطالب المعتصمين التي وصفها بالعادلة، وقرر في كلمة في الاعتصام الانسحاب من لجنة الحوار الوطني التي تشكلت قبل أيام لوضع قانوني انتخاب وأحزاب جديدين.

كما أعلن رئيس مجلس طلبة الجامعة الأردنية عبد السلام منصور انسحابه من لجنة الحوار الوطني احتجاجا على الهجمات التي يتعرض لها المعتصمون.

كما أعلن سياسيون وأساتذة جامعات وفنانون وممثلون عن عشائر انضمامهم للاعتصام، في حين حذر متحدثون قدموا من محافظات خارج العاصمة من نقل الاحتجاجات لجميع المدن إذا استمرت هجمات "البلطجية" على المعتصمين.

وسجلت الخيمة التي أعدت كـ"عيادة" للاعتصام نحو 60 إصابة اليوم الجمعة حتى ساعات العصر، وأكد الناطق باسم العيادة الدكتور رجائي الشوحا للجزيرة نت أن كافة الإصابات كانت في الرأس والوجه وناتجة عن الحجارة التي تلقى على المعتصمين باستثناء ثلاث إصابات قال إنها كانت بسبب هراوات رجال الأمن العام.

اتهام الحكومة بالاعتداء

وحمل ناطقون باسم المعتصمين الحكومة ومدير المخابرات العامة محمد الرقاد مسؤولية الاعتداء على المعتصمين بالحجارة، وهتفوا "طاق طاق طاقية حكومة بلطجية".

وبعد أن أدى المعتصمون صلاة الجمعة في الميدان الذي أغلقته قوات الأمن أمام حركة السير، رددوا قسما بأن لا يردوا على الهجمات التي يتعرضون لها بالحجارة، وكانوا يهتفون أثناء كل هجمة يتعرضون لها "سلمية سلمية"، ووجهوا نداء للعاهل الأردني عبد الله الثاني لحمايتهم من "البلطجية".

واعتلى عدد ممن يوصفون بـ"البلطجية" عمارة مهجورة مواجهة لمكان الاعتصام والجسر الذي يعلو دوار جمال عبد الناصر، ورشقوا شبان الاعتصام بالحجارة والعصي وكل ما حملته أيديهم.

وحمل المعتصمون شرطيا أصيب بحجارة في رأسه لمكان عيادة الاعتصام لمعالجته، في حين نقلت سيارات الدفاع المدني أحد المعتصمين للمستشفى بعد أن فقد وعيه جراء تعرضه للرشق بالحجارة على رأسه.

وردد المعتصمون هتافات موجهة للملك عبد الله الثاني أبرزها "يا عبد الله اسمعني زين.. إلنا عندك طلبين.. ملكية دستورية ومحاسبة الفاسدين".

رفض الحوار

ورفض المعتصمون دعوة وجهها لهم محافظ العاصمة سمير المبيضين للحوار مع نائب رئيس الوزراء وزير الداخلية سعد هايل السرور قبل أن يقوم الأمن بواجبه ويبعد "البلطجية" عن مكان الاعتصام ووقف الاعتداءات عليهم.

وأبدى سياسيون حضروا الاعتصام تخوفهم من "سيناريو معد" لاصطدام بين المعتصمين و"البلطجية" ينتهي بتدخل قوات الدرك التي تنتشر قرب الاعتصام بقوات كبيرة لفض الاعتصام بالقوة تحت عنوان إعادة النظام.

وقال سياسيون وإعلاميون إن فض الاعتصام واستمرار هجمات "البلطجية" يقود لأزمة سياسية جديدة قد تطيح بلجنة الحوار الوطني التي أكد أعضاء فيها أنهم سيستقيلون منها إذا استمر التعامل مع اعتصام 24 آذار بهذه الطريقة.

وأكد سياسي أردني بارز للجزيرة نت الجمعة أن هناك خلافات حادة بين مؤسسات القرار في المملكة في ما يتعلق بالموقف من اعتصام حركة 24 آذار واستمراره بشكل مفتوح، فبينما يسعى التيار الأول للحوار مع المعتصمين، يرى آخر في استمراره نقلة خطيرة قد تدفع المعارضة والشارع لرفع سقف مطالبه.

غير أن السياسي البارز قال إن سيناريو فض الاعتصام قد يرفع المطالب والشعارات في الشارع لتصل ربما لرفض التعامل مع النظام والاصطدام به مباشرة.

وفي مشهد مقابل نظم الآلاف من الأردنيين مسيرة للتأكيد على الالتفاف خلف قيادة الملك عبد الله الثاني تحت عنوان "نداء وطن".

وتجمع المشاركون بالمسيرة في حدائق الحسين غرب العاصمة عمان، في حين أعلن منظمون لاعتصام 24 آذار أن لديهم معلومات بأن المشاركين بهذه المسيرات سينضمون لحركة الاعتداء على اعتصام 24 آذار.

المصدر: الجزيرة.
الرابط: http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/EXERES/FF0A8723-4622-4EF7-9A14-B0DE97036602.htm.

Clashes break out at Jordan anti-government protest

25 March 2011

Supporters of Jordan's government have clashed with protesters demanding political reforms in the capital Amman.

Reports say supporters of the king threw stones at the hundreds of protesters camped in Gamal Abdel Nasser Square, injuring a number of them.

The protesters were demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit, reforms to parliament and for corrupt officials to stand trial.

King Abdullah appointed Mr Bakhit last month after large street protests.

Thursday's demonstration - which was organized through the social networking website Facebook by a group calling itself Youth of March 24 - saw student protesters joined by leftists and members of the Islamist opposition.

Some witnesses said the police stood by as a group of government supporters moved in to the square and began throwing stones. As many as 35 people were reported injured, most with head wounds.

Jordan's opposition has demanded electoral reforms that would see the prime minister directly elected and more powers granted to the parliament.

In a letter published in Jordanian newspapers on Wednesday, King Abdullah urged Prime Minister Bakhit to push through parliament reforms the monarch proposed in February, after the last prime minister was sacked.

At that time, Jordanians had taken to the streets in largely peaceful protests to demand on political reforms, high unemployment and rising prices.

Mr Bakhit is a retired army major-general who served as Jordan's prime minister from 2005 until his resignation in 2007.

Jordan is just one of the countries in the region where protests have been held to demand political changes after the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt were toppled in January and February.

Source: British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12857360.

تهديدات بفض اعتصام الأردن بالقوة

25/3/2011 م

محمد النجار-عمان

هددت قوات الأمن الأردنية باستعمال القوة لفض اعتصام مفتوح يخوضه شبان في ميدان جمال عبد الناصر وسط العاصمة عمان، في أول خطوة من نوعها منذ اندلاع شرارة المظاهرات في المملكة على غرار ما يحصل في بلدان عربية أخرى.

وقال شبان التقوا قائد أمن إقليم العاصمة اللواء بشير المجالي إن الأخير أبلغهم بأنه لن يسمح لهم بنصب خيام في الميدان والمبيت فيها، وأنه هددهم بفض الاعتصام بالقوة.

وأعلن الشبان عبر سماعات ثبتت على سيارة تحولت إلى إذاعة للاعتصام المستمر منذ الساعة 12 من ظهر يوم الخميس، أنهم مستمرون في اعتصامهم ووجهوا رسائل عدة لوزير الداخلية ومدير الأمن العام بأن اعتصامهم سلمي ولا يخالف الدستور والقوانين.

وانتشرت قوات من الدرك قرب مبنى محافظة العاصمة المواجه للاعتصام، وشوهدت تعزيزات كبيرة من قوات الشرطة والدرك في الشوارع القريبة من مكان الاعتصام، إلى جانب سيارات المياه الساخنة التي تستخدم في مكافحة الشغب، كما تعرض مكان الاعتصام لقطع الكهرباء عدة مرات.

وحتى الساعة الثالثة من فجر الجمعة (الواحدة بتوقيت غرينتش) لم تتدخل قوات الأمن لفض الاعتصام، غير أن تحركاتها حول المعتصمين ظلت تثير الشكوك في نفوسهم، الأمر الذي دعاهم إلى عمل حاجز بشري حول مكان اعتصامهم.

وأصيب نحو 50 شابا من المشاركين في الاعتصام جراء إلقاء الحجارة من طرف عشرات المدنيين في اعتصام مقابل تجمع مساء الخميس هتف للملك عبد الله الثاني وندد بالمعتصمين وبالأحزاب السياسية.

واتهم معتصمو حركة 24 آذار رجال الأمن والحكومة بالتواطؤ مع من وصفوهم "بالبلطجية"، وقالوا إن الحجارة تلقى على مرأى من رجال الأمن العام وضباطه الذين لم يحركوا ساكنا.

وبينما تمت معالجة المصابين في عيادة ميدانية كانت عبارة عن خيمة داخل الميدان، نقل خمسة مصابين إلى مستشفيات قريبة من بينهم طفل عمره 12 عاما.

مطالب إصلاحية

واستمر المعتصمون بترديد الهتافات التي تطالب بحل جهاز المخابرات وإسقاط مديره الفريق محمد الرقاد، كما رددوا مطالب إصلاحية مثل تعديل الدستور ومحاسبة الفاسدين، وقالوا إنهم لن يغادروا الاعتصام حتى تتحقق مطالبهم.

ونقلت مصادر مطلعة للجزيرة نت أن خلافات دارت داخل مؤسسات القرار في المملكة حول كيفية التعامل مع الاعتصام.

فبينما كانت هناك جهات أمنية وسياسية تفضل عدم الاصطدام بالمعتصمين، نقل أن جهات أمنية كانت تدفع باتجاه قمع اعتصامهم وعدم تسجيل سابقة نجاح أول اعتصام مفتوح تنصب فيه الخيام وينام المعتصمون في ميدان عام لأول مرة في الأردن.

وقالت مصادر في لجنة الحوار الوطني التي تشكلت قبل أيام لتعديل قانوني الانتخاب والأحزاب إن أعضاء في اللجنة هددوا بالاستقالة في حال قمع الشبان المعتصمين بشكل سلمي.

وقال آخرون إن هناك تقديرات بأن قمع الاعتصام سيقود إلى أزمة سياسية في البلاد التي تشهد حديثا عن الإصلاحات الجذرية على وقع مسيرات واعتصامات مستمرة.

وانضم ثلاثة من أعضاء لجنة الحوار إلى الاعتصام وأعلنوا تأييدهم لمطالبه وهم خالد رمضان والدكتور محمد أبو رمان والدكتور موسى برهومة، إضافة إلى لجنة إحياء نقابة المعلمين.

كما أعلن عميد الأسرى الأردنيين في السجون الإسرائيلية سلطان العجلوني انضمامه إلى الاعتصام، ونقل عن الأسرى الأردنيين في إسرائيل تأييدهم لمطالب حركة 24 آذار.

وتحدث أحد أعضاء لجنة الحوار الوطني للجزيرة نت عن أن لا نية حقيقية لإصلاحات جذرية في الأردن، لافتا إلى وجود قوى شد عكسي ترفض الإصلاح الجذري وتدفع باتجاه إصلاحات شكلية.

مشاركة متنوعة

وتحول الاعتصام إلى مزار من قبل شخصيات سياسية وثقافية واجتماعية عديدة، حيث ألقى شعراء قصائد بالميدان، كما ألقيت كلمات من قبل شبان وفتيات يمثلن قطاعات شبابية وعشائر ونقابات مهنية واتجاهات سياسية في الجامعات الأردنية.

واعتبر سياسيون ومثقفون حضروا للاعتصام أنه يشكل نقلة نوعية في ارتفاع سقف مطالبه من جهة، ولكونه أول اعتصام مفتوح منذ انطلاق الثورات العربية في تونس ومصر واليمن وليبيا.

وكانت حركة 24 آذار دعت الشبان إلى اعتصام مفتوح عبر صفحتها على فيسبوك، ليستجيب الآلاف لدعوتها الخميس.

وانصهر في الاعتصام شبان منتمون لتيارات إسلامية ويسارية وقومية وحركات شعبية جديدة ومستقلون وأبناء عشائر في الاعتصام، بينما استمع الشبان من "إذاعتهم" لأغانٍ وطنية كلها تنشد لحب الأردن وجيشه والدفاع عن أرضه.

المصدر: الجزيرة.
الرابط: http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/EXERES/E7406460-6728-4BB2-83A3-6C5EB56CB63D.htm.

Jordanians demonstrate for political reforms

Thu, 24 Mar 2011

Amman - Hundreds of young people rallied in Jordan on Thursday for political reform and a crackdown on corruption.

Participants held up placards calling for the dissolution of the lower house of parliament and constitutional changes.

Organizers of the rally, a group calling itself "March 24 Youth", said they had no political affiliations and planned to stay near Amman's Gamal Abdel Nasser Square until their demands are met.

The protest went ahead despite remarks by King Abdullah II on Wednesday, when he seemed to rebuke Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit for a delay in coming up with the political reforms.

"As of today, I will not accept any excuse for delaying the process of political and economic reforms," the monarch said in a rare letter to Bakhit.

Bakhit has set up a 53-member National Dialogue Committee with aim of redrafting the election law and political parties law.

The Muslim Brotherhood movement and its political arm, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), has refused to attend meetings, citing Bakhit's failure to include constitutional amendments on the agenda.

Islamists and other opposition figures said they want reforms to include turning the country into a constitutional monarchy through limiting the king's powers, particularly in government appointments.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/373178,jordanians-demonstrate-political-reforms.html.

Peaceful demonstrations earn Jordan image - experts

By Omar Obeidat

AMMAN –– Analysts agreed that ongoing demonstrations in the Kingdom calling for political, social and economic reforms can be beneficial to the country in the short and long term as long as they maintain their peaceful nature.

Stating that over 100 demonstrations and sit-ins have swept the country in past few months, Zayyan Zawaneh described the way Jordanians expressed their demands and the way authorities reacted as civilized.

“Demonstrations are associated with positive and negative aspects and luckily what has been happening in Jordan is different from the situation in other neighboring and regional countries,” he said, adding that it is the responsibility of officials to highlight to investors that recent events in Jordan cannot be compared to what happened elsewhere in the region.

“No single activist was detained, no window was broken and no stones were thrown,” Zawaneh, a former adviser at the Central Bank of Jordan, the Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund, remarked, stressing these facts should be used as a positive indicator of stability and safety to attract more investments.

Political analyst Hani Hourani agreed with Zawaneh that the current atmosphere in Jordan is relatively better than other countries.

Demands calling for reforms and eliminating corruption boost Jordan’s gains and enhance the competitiveness of the investment environment in the long term, he told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Asked whether the demonstrations are a copycat of what happened in other regional states or if such events are an attempt to blackmail the government, Hourani rejected the resemblance, explaining that regional events encouraged people not only in Jordan but across the region to call for better political and economic conditions, stressing that regional turmoil left a positive impact on Jordan.

“There are some demands that are legitimate while there are others that cannot be met due to difficult economic and financial conditions facing the Kingdom,” the analyst elaborated.

Mayank Malik, chief executive officer of Citibank Jordan, commented that so far, what has been taking place in Jordan, the peaceful and non-hostile demonstrations, “is a good thing when compared with neighbors”.

“Jordan can benefit from the unrest in the region if it can maintain stability and safety in terms of investment and in placing itself as a gateway for business,” Malik said, noting “what’s going on in the country is freedom of expression in a modern and peaceful manner”.

He pointed out to the letter His Majesty King Abdullah sent to Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit, urging speedy reforms and elimination of corruption, which he said has affected the Kingdom.

“I’m optimistic that Jordan will not be dragged into the same tragic events that happened in other countries,” the country chief of the biggest international bank said, mentioning that early next month a group of leading US investors is coming to explore business opportunities in Iraq and that he also encourage them to invest in Jordan because of the stability factor.

Mohammad Abu Rumman, a political analyst and a columnist at Al Ghad daily newspaper, said the ongoing demonstrations cannot be described as positive nor negative, although he referred to the events as a civilized phenomenon.

The analyst voiced concerns that things may deteriorate if authorities do not take serious steps towards meeting the demands, adding that some of them are justified while some are not.

“People do not trust good intentions and promises anymore. They want action,” Abu Rumman said in remarks to The Jordan Times, agreeing that the current scene in Jordan is completely different from other Arab countries, giving credit to the “wise” approach of authorities.

Asked whether demonstrations were encouraged by regional conditions and whether these marches will come to an end soon, Zawaneh replied people stage demonstrations not because they are “fond of demonstrations” but because they want to see reforms and the government has to get the message by telling people, particularly the poor and unemployed, that it will work on making real reform and changes.

“If the government reaches common ground with Islamists, I would not expect to see marches in the streets,” he said, warning that if demonstrations continue, this will have a negative pressure on the country’s economy, growth and productivity.

“People have had demands for many years but they used to complain to each other and the government tended to ignore their woes, but now due to Arab revolutions things have changed,” Zawaneh remarked.

24 March 2011

Source: The Jordan Times.
Link: http://jordantimes.com/?news=35793.

King congratulates Iran on new year

2011-03-22

AMMAN -- His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday sent a cable of good wishes to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the country's celebrations of the new year of Norouz.

The King wished the Iranian leader continued good health and the people of Iran further progress and prosperity.

Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah II sent a cable of good wishes to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on the country's celebrations of the new year of Norouz.

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11759.

King: Jordan will continue protecting holy sites in Palestinian territories

2011-03-20

AMMAN -- His Majesty King Abdullah II on Sunday reiterated that Jordan will continue to protect and care for Muslim and Christian holy shrines in the Palestinian territories especially in Jerusalem.

During a meeting with a visiting Vatican delegation, King Abdullah stressed the need for a concerted effort to halt unilateral Israeli acts which threaten Arab, Muslim and Christian existence in Jerusalem.

The King told the team, headed by President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Monsignor Antonio Maria Veglio, that Jordan is keen to bolster ties with the Holy See in a manner that serves mutual interests and promotes Muslim-Christian dialogue.

King Abdullah pointed to a landmark visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Jordan in 2009 and his efforts to promote tolerance, dialogue, human rights and rapprochement between adherents of different faiths across the globe.

Monsignor Antonio Maria Veglio thanked Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II for keeping open channels between the Muslim and Christian worlds through continued dialogue and enhancing coexistence among the believers.

He hailed Jordan for hosting a large number of Iraqis after 2003 and providing comprehensive services to them.

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11731.

Jordanian Parliament Slams Interference in Bahrain's Internal Affairs

Amman - Mar 20 – (BNA) – The Jordanian Parliament has today rapped any illegal interference in other countries' internal affairs, particularly Bahrain. "Any blatant interference will only complicate the things and abort efforts to achieve calm and peace", it said in a statement, expressing its confidence in the ability of Bahrain people to address its own affairs towards peace and consensus.

It also stressed its firm keenness of the security and stability of Bahrain and its people, as well as the whole region. The Jordanian Parliament has also appealed to all the brothers in the Bahrain people to take their country's high interests into account, resort to dialogue and table all stances and viewpoints to ensure a positive way out accommodating all opinions and demands.

It also called upon all parties to respond positively to the initiative vested by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Crown Prince, to engage in a multilateral dialogue, taking into Bahrain's vital interests.

Source: Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Link: http://bna.bh/portal/en/news/450371.

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.

Jordanian in Egypt accused of spying for Mossad

2011-03-17

AMMONNEWS - Egyptian Judicial sources say the suspect who was arrested recently for allegations of spying on behalf the Israeli intelligence service Mossad was a 34-year-old Jordanian who managed to send the Israelis recordings of phone calls made by Egyptian officials.

He had arrived in Egypt during the January demonstrations and sent information concerning important locations in Cairo.

Security services had also seized electronic devices from the suspect’s home. They asked Al-Masry Al-Youm not to divulge his name until his suspected accomplices are arrested. (Al Masry Al Youm)

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11723.

No limits on Jordan reform panel topics: U.N. envoy

Thu Mar 17, 2011

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jordan's Islamist opposition could argue for constitutional change to curb the monarch's powers if it joined a government-appointed panel to discuss political reform, Jordan's U.N. ambassador said on Thursday.

The Islamic Action Front, which is the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood and Jordan's largest party, said it had refused to join the 52-member panel created by Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit's cabinet.

The panel was created on Monday in response to a call by King Abdullah to accelerate reforms after weeks of street protests calling for political change. Popular revolutions have ousted the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt, while uprisings in Libya and Bahrain have turned violent.

"This dialogue, if we can bring the Muslim Brotherhood into it, I think should be fruitful," Prince Zeid, Jordan's U.N. ambassador, told Reuters in an interview in New York.

"And there should be no prohibition in raising anything and simply because it's not on the agenda doesn't mean it can't be discussed," he said.

The Islamic Action Front said it would not join the panel because the remit did not include constitutional change to curb the power of King Abdullah.

"It certainly could be discussed," Prince Zeid said. "They should participate and they should raise it."

Islamist, leftist, liberal and tribal figures have called for the creation of a constitutional monarchy in recent weeks, demanding a government elected by a parliamentary majority rather than appointed by the king.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Daniel Trotta and Mohammad Zargham)

Source: Reuters.
Link: http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE72G7VX20110317.

Jordan supports dispatch of GCC troops to Bahrain

Wed, 16 Mar 2011

Amman - Jordan on Wednesday supported the dispatch of troops from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to Bahrain, calling it a "sovereign" decision.

"We fully back all sovereign decisions taken by our GCC brethren, particularly those measures which have the aim of safeguarding stability and security as well as facing foreign intervention in member states," Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said in a statement carried by the official Petra news agency.

"Jordan also considers the undermining stability and security of Bahrain and other GCC countries as well as foreign intervention in their internal affairs as red lines," he added, alluding to Iran.

Judeh said that Amman fully supported all "constructive initiatives" which had been adopted by the Bahraini leadership for dealing with the situation.

GCC troops were dispatched at the Bahraini government's request to help quell the uprising by majority Shiite Muslims against the Sunni leadership.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/372066,dispatch-gcc-troops-bahrain.html.

Jordan panel to push reforms angers opposition

Tue Mar 15, 2011

By Suleiman al-Khalidi

AMMAN (Reuters) - Jordan's Islamist opposition said on Tuesday it would not join a government-appointed panel to discuss political reform because its remit did not include constitutional change to curb the monarch's powers.

The Islamic Action Front (IAF), the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan's largest party, said it had refused to join the 52-member panel and two leading figures, appointed without its consent, would not join any future deliberations.

Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit's cabinet announced the creation of the national dialogue committee on Monday in response to a call by King Abdullah to accelerate reforms after weeks of street protests calling for political change.

"We will not engage in an initiative that carries no real dialogue. We demand constitutional reforms and not just amendments to the electoral law. Only the King can manage a national dialogue," said Zaki Bani Rusheid, a leading Islamist.

Islamist, leftist, liberal and even tribal figures have called for the creation of a constitutional monarchy in recent weeks, demanding a government elected by a parliamentary majority rather than appointed by the king.

King Abdullah has called on the committee of lawmakers, former ministers and trade union activists to wrap up their findings on electoral reform within a three-month period.

"We call on you to reach a draft democratic election law that would bring a parliament that represents all Jordanians and plays a leading role in enhancing justice and rule of law," King Abdullah said in a letter to the committee's head, Taher al-Masri.

Labib Kamhawi, a prominent independent figure, who declined the offer to become a panel member, said he had no faith in any reform led by Bakhit who oversaw elections in 2007 which were marred by allegations of vote-rigging.

"I have no confidence in the ability or the intentions of the government to introduce reform that is truly acceptable by the people," Kamhawi said.

"Many of the figures chosen have been part of the past administrations responsible for the mess the country is in now, they cannot be tools of reform."

(Editing by Elizabeth Piper)

Source: Reuters.
Link: http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE72E9AR20110315?sp=true.

Jordan asks EU help to revive Mideast peace talks

Mon, 14 Mar 2011

Amman - Jordan on Monday asked the European Union for help in reviving deadlocked peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

The request came during a meeting in Amman between Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and the ambassadors of the EU's 27 member states.

"The current events in the Arab world should not prevent us from concentrating on the Palestine question as the crux of the conflict," Judeh told EU envoys.

Judeh said failure to come up with a solution to the Palestinian- Israeli conflict would "deprive the region and the entire world of living in peace and stability."

The EU is part of the mediating Middle East Quartet, which also includes the United States, Russia and the United Nations.

Also attending the meeting were Finance Minister Mohammad Abu Hammour and Planning and International Cooperation Minister Jaafar Hassan, who asked the EU for financial support to help Jordan deal with its economic difficulties.

Jordanian government officials also briefed EU ambassadors on the steps taken by the Jordanian government to adopt political, economic and social reforms.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/371699,revive-mideast-peace-talks.html.

Foreign minister meets EU envoys

2011-03-14

AMMAN -- Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Monday met with European Union (EU) envoys to Jordan and briefed them on the latest local and regional developments.

Judeh said Jordan and the EU enjoy strong ties, which were further cemented after Jordan achieved the advanced status with the bloc.

The minister briefed the envoys on the reform process, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II in various domains. He noted to a national dialogue committee, which was named earlier today to reach accordance on legislation that enhance freedoms and participation in decision-making.

The government, he added, had introduced amendments to the Public Gatherings Law and referred it to the parliament for endorsement.

The Minister reiterated importance to breathe life into the peace process, through relaunching serious and effective talks that address final status issues according to the two-state solution. Talks, he added, must lead to the establishment of a viable, sovereign and independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the pre-1967 borders.

The latest regional developments should not shift focus away from the key issue, which is the Palestinian cause, Judeh said. Solving the Palestinian issue is key to regional and global security and stability, he added.

The minister underscored the importance of the EU role in pushing forward the peacemaking efforts.

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11708.

King sends letter to head of dialogue panel

2011-03-14

AMMAN-- His Majesty King Abdullah II on Monday sent a letter to Senate President Taher Al Masri, congratulating him over chairing the National Dialogue Committee.

The King wished Masri and members of the panel success in developing a productive political dialogue framework that enhances achievements and stability.

King Abdullah reiterated importance to agree on a democratic elections law, paving the way for a parliament that represents all Jordanians and plays key role in enhancing justice, transparency, fairness and rule of law.

The King voiced hope that the panel would come up with a legislation that enhances political and partisan pluralism as well as enabling all political powers to be part of the democratic march and decision-making process. This, the King said, would be achieved through parties which have programs that represent citizens' ambitions and meet their demands. (Petra)

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11697.

Jordan creates commission to examine reform

Mar 14, 2011

AMMAN — Jordan's government on Monday approved the creation of a 52-strong National Dialogue Committee charged with drawing up a new electoral law within three months, the official Petra news agency reported.

It said the committee, headed by Senate president Taher al-Masri, would work on "two amended laws on general elections and political parties."

The new body will include former ministers, members of political parties, trade unionists, Islamists and writers, Petra said.

In a letter to Masri, King Abdullah II wished him and the panel "success in developing a productive political dialogue framework that enhances achievements and stability."

He reiterated the "importance to agree on a democratic elections law, paving the way for a parliament that represents all Jordanians and plays a key role in enhancing justice, transparency, fairness and the rule of law."

Inspired by the revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, Jordanians have been demonstrating for nine weeks demanding general reforms.

Tensions between the government and Islamists escalated on Friday after the latter refused to take part in the national dialogue commission, claiming the regime was not serious about reform.

On Saturday, thousands of people rallied in support of the king, chanting "the people want to bring down political parties" and the opposition Islamic Action Front (IAF) "does not represent the Jordanian people."

The IAF has been calling for sweeping reforms, including an amended electoral law, leading to a parliamentary government and elected prime minister.

Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved.

Prominent Jordanian Islamic leader receives threats

Mon, 14 Mar 2011

Amman - Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood movement said Monday one of its leaders had received threats and urged the authorities to disclose the identity of the culprits and bring them to justice.

The threats were received over the past few days by family members of Hamzeh Mansour, Secretary General of the Islamic Action Front (IAF), the Brotherhood's political arm, according to local media reports.

The development prompted the authorities to heighten security around Mansour and his residence, security sources said.

"We urge the official authorities to speed up the disclosure of the identity of the criminals and those who stand behind them prior to sending them to courts," the Brotherhood said in a statement.

"These irresponsible threats came at a time when we are involved, with other honorable people, in the country in a serious project of reforms," it added.

Mansour is currently in Cairo leading a delegation extending congratulations to the Egyptian people on the success of their uprising that toppled former president Hosny Mubarak.

The Brotherhood and the IAF boycotted Jordan's November 2010 parliamentary elections, citing the failure of the government of former Prime Minister Samir Rifai to conduct the polls in accordance with an election law that guaranteed proportional representation for the Jordanian people.

Islamists contributed to the demonstrations that swept Jordan over the past two months prompting King Abdullah II to sack Rifai's cabinet and ask Marouf Bakhit to form a new government to which the monarch assigned the duty of carrying out "real and speedy reforms".

The Brotherhood, the IAF and allied left-leaning parties expressed reservations over an ad hoc dialogue committee that was formed last week by Bakhit, who is accused by Islamists to have "rigged" the 2007 polls.

Islamists said they wanted a royal panel to lead the dialogue with the king forming its reference.

They also joined other opposition figures in demanding that the country be turned into a constitutional monarchy, a proposal that seeks to trim the king's powers, particularly his appointment of prime ministers and cabinet ministers.

The suggestion drew negative reactions from Bakhit, other politicians, lawmakers and loyalists who contended that the country was already being governed by a constitutional monarchy.

A rally involving thousands of loyalists on Saturday thronged Amman streets to express backing for the monarch and declare rejection of the constitutional demands by the opposition.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/371666,islamic-leader-receives-threats.html.

Jordan militant demands release of terrorist suspects, says agents will be hunted down

WARNING: Article contains propaganda!

* * * * *

By Jamal Halaby, The Associated Press – Mar 13, 2011

AMMAN, Jordan — The brother of a Jordanian militant who killed seven CIA workers in Afghanistan demanded Sunday that Jordan's government release terrorist suspects.

Mohammed al-Balawi warned that militants will "hunt down" Jordanian authorities who he accused of torturing detainees.

"I'm sending this clear warning to the Jordanian government: Release all the Muslim (militant) detainees and prisoners, or you will open a door nobody will be able to close," al-Balawi said. He declined to elaborate. Jordanian jihadists typically use the word "Muslim" to describe members of their movement, whose hard-line members see themselves as the true followers of Islam.

His threat came in a protest by 300 Salafi Muslims, whose ultraconservative sect is banned in Jordan, a key U.S. ally. Salafis usually operate usually underground but have been emboldened by other protests in Jordan inspired by the revolts in Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria.

Al-Balawi also said Salafi Muslims will "hunt down" unnamed Jordanian intelligence officers he allegedly have "tortured (militant) prisoners in jails."

Al-Balawi is the brother of a Jordanian doctor who blew himself up in a CIA outpost in Afghanistan in 2009, killing seven CIA employees and a Jordanian intelligence officer.

Humam Khalil al-Balawi, better known as Abu Dujana al-Khurasani, was a triple agent, recruited by Jordanian intelligence to provide information to the CIA on al-Qaida's number 2, Ayman al-Zawahri. But he turned on his handlers.

Jordan has convicted scores of al-Qaida terrorists for linking with the terror network or for plotting deadly attacks in the kingdom, including a triple hotel bombing in 2005, which killed 60 people.The attack was claimed by the al-Qaida in Iraq leader, Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was killed in a U.S. attack in Iraq the next year.

Al-Qaida has targeted Jordan because of its moderate outlook, close ties with the United States and diplomatic relations with Israel under a 1994 peace treaty. Jordan has also been a leading member in the U.S.-led global war on terrorism.

In a related development, 150 members of the Islamic Action Front, Jordan's largest opposition party, and their leftist allies gathered outside parliament to demand that the elected Chamber of Deputies be dissolved.

"Go away, you were appointed not elected," chanted the group, referring to allegations that the government rigged the election. The Islamic Action Front boycotted last November's voting on grounds that an election law favored the government's conservative Bedouin loyalists, who won a majority of parliamentary seats.

Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Opposition parties seek unified stand on reforms

By Hani Hazaimeh

AMMAN - The Muslim Brotherhood has launched an initiative to form the “National Panel for Reform”, a task force representing the various political parties and professional associations tasked with forging a unified stand regarding the required reform.

Member of the executive office at the Islamic Action Front Zaki Bani Rsheid said on Saturday that the biggest challenge facing reform is the disagreement among different opposition powers on a unified position, adding that the panel is meant to act as a lobbying tool to bring under its umbrella all powers calling for reform.

"The membership to the initiative is not exclusive to any party or association. It is open to all political spectra in the country and we are open to listen to all voices and receive any constructive suggestion," Bani Rsheid said, adding that so far, the Jordanian Popular Democratic Party (Wihda) and the National Constitutional Party, as well as prominent nationalist figures have responded positively to the initiative.

The goal is to reach common ground between all parties, Bani Rsheid said, adding that the founders intend to present the initiative to the public for broader discussions with all concerned parties in order to build a consensus over what is needed to be done in terms of political and economic reform.

"Lack of a clear vision in the objectives and demands will put opposition parties in a maze and will give the chance to those who have so far aborted all political reform attempts to take advantage of the fragmentation in the ranks of reformists," Wihda Secretary General Said Thiyab said at the meeting, which was attended by media representatives and political activists.

He underlined the importance of sustaining pressure on the government to carry out reform, adding that calls for reform have been raised for the past 15 years but lack of pressuring tools was the reason why successive governments did not take these calls seriously.

14 March 2011

Source: The Jordan Times.
Link: http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=35434.

King sends message to Egypt's Military Council Chief

2011-03-12

CAIRO -- His Majesty King Abdullah II on Saturday sent a written message to Egypt's ruling Supreme Council head, Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, on "the distinguished" ties Jordan and Egypt.

The letter was conveyed by Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh at a meeting he held with Tantawi at the Defense Ministry in Cairo.

Judeh conveyed "His Majesty's wishes for Egyptian people for progress and prosperity and for Egypt to continue its pivotal role in its Arab fold and in the world."

The message was in reply to a letter Tantawi had sent to the King in past days in which he underlined his keenness to maintain the deep ties between the two brotherly countries and to continue to bolster cooperation at all levels." (Petra)

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11690.

Jordan bans entry of Israeli settlements' products

By Omar Obeidat

AMMAN –– The government has banned the entry of Israeli goods manufactured in Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

In a circular, signed by Minister of Industry and Trade Hani Mulki on March 2 to the Jordan Customs Department (JCD), the government listed the names of 220 Israeli companies and factories that operate fully or partially in the illegal settlements.

The circular, posted on JCD website, asked the department to take necessary measures to prevent the products of these firms from entering the Jordanian market.

The decision was taken after the Arab League mission in Germany sent a document to the diplomatic missions of Arab countries in Berlin listing the names of Israeli firms and factories operating in settlements, which the league described as a clear and deliberate violation of international laws and resolutions.

The banned factories produce food, garments, furniture, plastic and mineral industries, and electronics among other products, the circular showed.

The ban also included 28 Israeli factories based in the occupied Golan Heights, which was made upon a request from the Syrian embassy in Berlin.

Maha Ali, secretary general of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, confirmed to The Jordan Times Saturday that the same measures to prevent the entry of products made in West Bank settlements will also apply to products manufactured in the occupied Syrian lands.

In 2010, Palestinians launched a boycott campaign against Israeli products made in West Bank settlements. Several trade unions in Europe also endorsed the campaign to boycott the goods.

13 March 2011

Source: The Jordan Times.
Link: http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=35393.

Jordanians protesters call for dissolution of parliament

Fri, 11 Mar 2011

Amman - Hundreds of Jordanian activists demonstrated after Friday prayers, urging King Abdullah II to dissolve parliament.

The participants, mostly members of pro-democracy groups, argued that that parliament's lower house, which was elected in November last year, does not represent the Jordanian people.

The polls were boycotted by the country's largest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood movement and its political arm, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), as well as by the allied left-leaning Public Unity Party.

Friday's demonstration coincided with calls by some opposition figures to turn Jordan into a constitutional monarchy that envisages certain limitations for the monarch's powers, particularly the appointment of prime ministers and governments.

Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit told newspapers on Thursday that calls for a constitutional monarchy were nothing more than "media propaganda," since the 1952 constitution already provided for a system of constitutional monarchy.

However, he expressed his government's readiness to "review" subsequent amendments introduced into the constitution.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/371268,protesters-call-dissolution-parliament.html.

Jordanians back on the streets protesting for reforms despite religious edict not to march

By Dale Gavlak, The Associated Press – Mar 11, 2011

AMMAN, Jordan — Jordanians demanding democratic reforms protested in the capital for the 10th street week following Friday's Muslim prayers, defying an edict by the kingdom's religious leaders not to demonstrate.

Chanting "We want to change the constitution," about 150 students, independents and leftists marched in front of the al-Husseini mosque and held banners reading, "Democracy is action, not just a word."

The demonstrations inspired by uprisings across the Middle East have so far not threatened the monarchy but are calling for U.S.-allied King Abdullah II to relinquish some of his sweeping powers.

The protests saw far few numbers than in previous weeks. The demonstrators are calling for the popular election of the prime minister and other reforms inspired by the Tunisia and Egypt uprisings. King Abdullah now appoints the prime minister and Cabinet officials.

Smaller demonstrations were also reported in four other cities nationwide calling for mainly for economic reforms. Two were pro-monarchy rallies.

Jordan's top Muslim leader, the Grand Mufti, and six other Quranic scholars had earlier issued a fatwa — religious edict — instructing Jordanians not to take part in protests while the government and political parties work on a reform dialogue.

The fatwa, however, did not put off protesters in Amman such as student Walid Laham, 22. He scoffed at the nonbinding edict, saying it merely "reflected government views of appointed officials" rather than the will of the people.

He called it "another strategy" by the government to stop the protests and delay reforms.

Another protester, professor Ibrahim Alloush, blamed cold, rainy weather for the smaller numbers. Past weeks' rallies saw thousands take to the streets of Amman's narrow downtown business district.

But Alloush reserved his biggest criticism for the lower turnout on Jordan's largest opposition party, the Islamic Action Front, calling it "spineless."

"They are avoiding confrontation at all cost and are probably getting something for it in return such as parliamentary seats," Alloush said.

He suggested that the opposition party, allied with the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, was making behind-closed-door deals with the government to enhance its own political position at the expense of other opposition forces.

The Islamic Action Front, however, has threatened to boycott a political reform dialogue initiated by King Abdullah, with its political chief, Zaki Bani Ersheid, on Thursday accusing the government of not being serious about change.

Bani Ersheid blamed Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit of intentionally "undermining" the opposition's main proposal to elect the prime minister. He said al-Bakhit's past record as prime minister showed he was not serious about reform and the Front was not interested in "dialogue for the sake of dialogue."

Bani Ersheid also said the Front and Brotherhood would press their demands for change by staging a rally at Jordan's professional associations complex late Friday — instead of holding street protests.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands are expected at a rally on Saturday in support of the king and his government.

Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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.

Amid Arab protests, resentment builds in Jordanian town

By Joel Greenberg
Thursday, March 10, 2011

MAAN, JORDAN - In this bleak desert town in southern Jordan, discontent swirls in living room conversations and on the gritty streets.

A tribal center known for its defiance of central authority, this community of 50,000, plagued by poverty and high unemployment, feels remote from Amman, the capital, 130 miles away. Resentment is rife here now, fueled by the unrest across the Arab world that has sparked protests in Jordan and demands for sweeping political reforms.

Calls to limit the powers of King Abdullah II, who wields supreme authority and rules by decree, have unsettled the monarchy, which has long counted on the support of Bedouin tribes that have formed the backbone of the regime.

As opposition demonstrations have gathered steam in recent weeks, pledges of loyalty to the monarch by tribes and other groups have been featured prominently in the state-controlled press and displayed on banners in the streets.

But in Maan, where anti-government riots have erupted in the past, the talk is different.

"The leaders in the region are dummy rulers installed by outside powers, and the one here is no different," said Sheikh Adel Mahamid, the leader of a local tribe. "The loyalty pledges are not real, and the applause is a show. Kings come and go. My concern is for the country."

The problem, he said, is that "the king holds all the authority in his hand. He can dismiss the government and dissolve parliament. His authority should be limited."

That view was echoed in other conversations in which people said that Abdullah, who has broad executive powers, should be held accountable.

"If you deal with details, you should be answerable," said Saleh Abu Taweleh, a local activist who said he wants a constitutional monarchy similar to the British model, in which the king would wield mostly ceremonial powers as the head of state.

The idea has been promoted by some opposition leaders, but it was dismissed last week by new Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit, an appointee of the king, who told parliament that such a step would "affect the balance of Jordan's political system."

Still, pressure is mounting for changes that would produce a cabinet drawn from the parliamentary majority rather than from the king's appointment of the prime minister. And there are other calls to roll back constitutional amendments passed over the years that have granted the monarch additional powers.

"He has absolute authority in all matters," Abu Taweleh said. "But the people are the source of authority, which should come from below. He should reign, but not govern."

In economically depressed Maan, where there is a strong sense of neglect by the authorities, accusations of corruption in the government and the royal court are widespread - and are indirect criticisms of the king. Direct denunciation of the monarch is banned in Jordan and can carry a prison term of up to three years.

"The king has surrounded himself with a bunch of thieves who are looking out for their personal business interests and don't care about the interests of the ordinary citizen," said Akram Kreishan, a local human rights advocate.

Queen Rania, a glamorous ambassador for Jordan abroad, is accused of interfering in official appointments and of receiving foreign funding for foundations and projects that she allegedly runs without public oversight. Government ministers and other top officials are accused of personally profiting from the sale of state-owned enterprises and passing on their positions to relatives, keeping them in the hands of a group of well-connected families.

Abu Taweleh complained that Maan has been left behind and that it lacks basic facilities such as a sports stadium, public parks and a theater.

But Majed Sharari, a tribal mediator, said that despite the grievances, a strong bond remains between the local tribes and the ruling Hashemite family. "They are a symbol and ensure stability in the country," he said, adding that the family's removal would lead to a damaging "power struggle" in Jordan.

Mahamid, the tribal leader, said he too feared civil strife between the nation's large Palestinian population and East Bank Jordanians, as well as between northern and southern tribes, if the monarchy were overthrown.

"My fear is, where is the alternative?" he said, adding, "We want peaceful change."

At a junction off Maan's shabby main street, lined with scruffy shops and produce stands, a faded monument carries a hopeful slogan: "Unity, freedom, a better life." For many here, that will happen only when they feel more like citizens than subjects.

"Change is coming," Abu Taweleh said. "Reform is inevitable."

Source: The Washington Post.
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/09/AR2011030905738.html.

Jordan's Islamist opposition rejects political dialogue, says government not serious

By Jamal Halaby, The Associated Press – Mar 10, 2011

AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan's powerful Islamist opposition threatened Thursday to boycott a political reform dialogue called by King Abdullah II, with one of its leaders saying the government is not serious about change.

The development could deprive the Islamic Action Front, Jordan's largest opposition party, of any voice in the reforms. The party also boycotted last November's parliamentary elections.

Like much of the Middle East, Jordan has seen opposition protests calling for political change in the past two months. The demonstrations have not threatened the monarchy but are calling for the king to relinquish some powers.

In response, U.S.-allied King Abdullah urged political parties this week to participate in an "active" national dialogue to widen freedoms and public participation in the decision making. The king said the parties should propose specific plans for election reforms.

But Zaki Bani Ersheid, head of the Islamic Front's political office, said Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit is intentionally "undermining" the opposition's main proposal to elect the prime minister, who is now appointed by the king.

"We're not willing to engage in a dialogue for the sake of dialogue," Bani Ersheid told The Associated Press. "We will not participate in this farce."

Bani Ersheid called on the king to head the dialogue because al-Bakhit "is not credible and not serious about reforms, given his past record."

He said the Islamic Front will hold rallies in public spaces across Jordan on Friday, replacing the street protests, to press its demand for changes.

Recently, al-Bakhit named a state committee he said will work with the country's political forces to change a controversial election law that critics say favor the king's conservative Bedouin loyalists.

Al-Bakhit also asked Jordan's fragmented 34 political parties to join into two or three groupings to allow for improved competition in parliamentary elections. He said the majority leader can form a Cabinet.

He has said amending laws will take until the end of the year.

However, the Islamic Front, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood Movement, and other critics say the changes must be immediate.

Bani Ersheid said the king must be stripped of his power of dismissing Cabinets and the parliament, the only elected body in Jordan's government.

He also called Thursday for a quick dissolution of the parliament and the Cabinet and for parliamentary polls to be held under a new election law. He said the majority leader can then form a Cabinet.

He said a strong parliament will ensure a proper check and balance of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of power.

Military and other courts functioning under the remnants of an emergency law revoked in 1993 must also be immediately abolished, he added.

The Islamic Front accuses al-Bakhit of rigging parliamentary elections during his previous post as prime minister in 2005-2007. The group also sees the ex-army general as incapable of introducing democratic changes.

Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

UJ's president opens Australian Universities Forum exhibition

2011-03-10

AMMAN – President of the University of Jordan (UJ) Adel Tweisi on Thursday opened the Australian Universities Forum Exhibition.

The exhibition aims at acquainting Jordanian students, willing to study in Australia, with the Australian educational system, admission requirements and costs of studying and living in Australia.

The exhibition also designed to provide students with information about students' immigration laws.

Australia is the third largest English-speaking country to attract students after the United States of America and the United Kingdom. (Petra)

Source: Ammon News.
Link: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=11671.

Jordanian journalists urged to free themselves of 'self-censorship'

By Hani Hazaimeh

AMMAN - Regional political developments pose a challenge to the local media, especially the mainstream, which have found themselves in a situation to push the envelope and report issues that have been taboo for decades.

Analysts and even the incumbent government blame the narrow margin of press freedom on “self-censorship” ensuing from several facts, including long years of martial law and state ownership of major media outlets.

According to a report by the Center for Defending the Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) issued last year, over 95 per cent of journalists and editors acknowledged that they practiced self-censorship in their reporting. This was mainly attributed to being under constant fear of being questioned and summoned by the security agencies or sometimes for their conviction that their writings would be edited.

Despite the government’s openness to criticism in recent weeks, censorship is still practiced against journalists and columnists, said MP Jamil Nimri (Irbid, 2nd District), head of the Lower House National Guidance Committee. "Some of my articles were banned from publication before and even after I became a deputy," he added.

Even without receiving any directions from authorities, journalists have treaded very cautiously over sensitive issues such as religion, tribalism or even politics, said Nimri, who writes for Al Ghad daily.

"Reporters would also check with their chief editors regarding what can be published and what cannot and they write within this margin of press freedom. However, in many cases editors and chief editors take decisions on their own when deciding to publish or not to publish," Nimri said, adding that the fear of authorities' overseeing the editorial policies is ingrained in the minds of journalists.

However, the MP underlined authorities' dominance on the media sector either through the ownership of these mediums or using a “stick and carrot” policy, including government ads, as a pressuring tool.

With few exceptions, authorities' censorship is present in almost every mainstream media outlet, according to Nimri.

Al Arab Al Yawm Editor-in-Chief Fahd Kheitan agreed.

“The editorial policies in several media institutions are subject to the whim of governments for different considerations driven by government ownership of the medium’s shares or in many cases chief editors would compromise to keep their jobs,” Kheitan told The Jordan Times.

Kheitan urged “self-liberation from all fears” as key to addressing media self-censorship.

“The drastic changes must spur reform in the local media sector,” the left-leaning journalist said.

He said signs are already there. “Two months ago, it was almost impossible to speak about certain issues in public. Nowadays people are fearless as we see in the slogans they raise during the protests. Journalists must follow suit and be up to the responsibility of the profession,” he said.

CDFJ President Nidal Mansour put a historical touch on his analysis.

“Self-censorship is the product of long years of violations practiced against the freedom of the press since 1989. Journalists used to be summoned by security agencies, or threatened with legal action on charges related to what they write,” he said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

Mansour also blamed the lack of protection media institutions offer their reporters in case they “fall into trouble” as another factor that entrenched self-censorship, also citing the conservative background of top editors that led to the same output of the reporting process.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications and Government Spokesperson Taher Odwan, a former chief editor of the independent Al Arab Al Yawm, acknowledged that former governments interfered in the work of the press.

“Now things have changed and we are working on lifting all restrictions on the media,” he said.

“This is the challenge of journalists now. They should free themselves from fear. The freedom of the press cannot be granted. It is taken.”

Commenting on state ownership of main newspapers, through the large stakes controlled by the Social Security Corporation (SSC), he said: “We want to reach a stage when the SSC is free to take its decisions independently from any party” regarding its policies in the media companies where it controls the majority of boards.

Prohibitions in the Press and Publications Law

According to Article 38 of the Press and Publications Law for the year 1998, media outlets are prohibited from publishing materials that include:

1- Insult or abuse of religions whose practice is guaranteed by the Constitution.
2- Abuse of prophets in the form of writing, drawing, pictures, symbols or any other
means.
3- Insult to religious feelings and creeds, or incitement of religious or racist sedition.
4- Trespassing on the dignity and personal freedoms of individuals, including through publishing false information about them.

10 March 2011

Source: The Jordan Times.
Link: http://jordantimes.com/?news=35316.

Jordan up to 81st in FIFA ranking

By Aline Bannayan

AMMAN - Jordan jumped three spots to move to 81st in the latest FIFA /Coca-Cola World Ranking which was issued on Wednesday.

Last month, the squad had a big leap of 23 spots to go up to the best rank since 2007 after an impressive performance that saw them reach the quarters of the 14th Asian Cup.

In the latest rankings, Jordan is now 7th among Arab and 8th among Asian teams. They are now looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers later this summer.

The latest ranking saw world and European champs Spain leading followed by the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, England, Uruguay, Croatia, Portugal and Greece.

Among Asian Football Confederation teams, Japan who were crowned Asian champs for the fourth time hold the top spot at 15th, while Australia is 21st and South Korea 29th. They are followed by Iran (43), China (76), Uzbekistan (77), Saudi Arabia (79) and Jordan.

Top Arab teams are led by Egypt (35), Tunisia (45), Algeria (55), Morocco (66), Libya (71), Saudi Arabia (79) and Jordan.

The national team squad is scheduled to regroup on March 22 and will travel to Sharjah, the UAE for a friendly alongside Iraq, El Salvador, and Kuwait in the first phase of preparations for World Cup qualifiers.

Jordan national Team Manager Osama Talal, quoted in Al Ghad daily, said all was on track for the four-team tourney and that the technical manager Adnan Hamad was following up league matches for potential changes to the line-up.

‘’The squad will be finalized soon for upcoming duty,’’ he added.

Jordan is on a high note after the last Asian Cup, which they reached for only the second time since 1972. In 2004, they also made it to the quarters and jumped to the best ever FIFA rank of 37th in August the same year.

Meanwhile, Al Ghad reported that the Jordan Football Association (JFA) has requested to host the U-19 Asian qualifiers alongside 10 other bidding countries. The draw will be held on March 30 in Kuala Lumpur and Jordan is seeded 14th after making it to the finals last time. The JFA has decided against the participation of the U-16 team although the squad was seeded 8th among 45 countries after making it to the finals for the first time last year.

The senior team is seeded 13th among 44 Asian teams in the World Cup qualifiers.

10 March 2011

Source: The Jordan Times.
Link: http://jordantimes.com/?news=35287.

Jordan Islamists say no talks before demands

Mar 9, 2011

AMMAN — Jordan's powerful Islamist opposition said on Wednesday they will not engage in any dialogue with the government unless it promises to examine first their demands for constitutional reforms.

The Islamists issued their condition as King Abdullah II called on all political parties to join a national dialogue initiative in an "active" way.

"We will not participate in an initiative that carries no real dialogue," Zaki Bani Rsheid, head of the political office of the Islamic Action Front (IAF) told AFP.

"We demand constitutional reforms and not just amendments to the electoral law," which have been promised by Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit, he said.

The government has recently formed a commission headed by Senate President Taher Masri to initiate a national dialogue on political reforms.

"The government does not have what it takes to implement constitutional reforms. Only the king can manage a national dialogue," Bani Rsheid said.

"We want to know who are the members of the commission and they should come up with recommendations in a month or six weeks, not more."

Bani Rsheid insisted that the Islamists "will not participate in the dialogue unless our conditions are met," saying that "there is a real opportunity for reforms now."

Inspired by the popular revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, Jordanians have been protesting since January to demand political and economic reforms.

"Political parties should come up with programs that would meet people's aspirations," the state-run Petra news agency quoted the king as telling leaders of some political parties at a meeting.

"Political development requires developed political parties, which have a key role to play in a comprehensive reform process."

He said "it is important that all political parties take part in a national dialogue in an active way."

Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved.

Jordan inks 1.8-billion-dollar oil shale deal with British firm

Wed, 09 Mar 2011

Amman - The Jordanian government on Wednesday signed a 1.8 billion-dollar concession agreement with the Karak International Oil (KIO), a subsidiary of Britain's Jordan Energy and Mining Ltd, for the production of crude from Jordanian oil shale deposits.

A signatory to the agreement is also Polysuis AG, a subsidiary of Thyssenkrupp Group of Germany, which will prepare the designs, and install and maintain the equipment for the project.

The accord was signed by Jordanian Minister of Energy Khalid Touqan, the chairman of Jordan's Natural Resources Authority, Maher Hijazin, KIO's deputy chairman Chris Morgan, and Norbert Patzelt for Thyssenkrupp.

The agreement envisages the production of 15,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) over a period of five to seven years, to be increased to 60,000 bpd in phased expansions.

Additional by-products will include sulfur and electrical power, some of which are to be fed into the country's national grid.

The non-conventional oil venture will be based on surface mining of oil shale followed by the application of modern Canadian technology provided by the Thyssenkrupp Group utilizing thermal cracking and retorting methods.

The Jordanian government is expected to receive about 10 billion dollars of revenues over 30 years.

Official estimates put the country's oil shale reserves at about 40 billion tons.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/370954,shale-deal-british-firm.html.

Dissolve parliament: Jordan protesters

Wed Mar 9, 2011

Jordanian anti-government protesters have gathered in front of the parliament building in the capital Amman calling for the dissolution of the parliament.

On Tuesday, the demonstrators called for political reforms, a constitutional monarchy, and the release of political prisoners, and accused MPs of hindering reforms.

"This parliament is not fit to approve any legal or constitutional amendments," AFP quoted Islamic Action Front (IAF) chief Hamzah Mansur as saying in a letter to Senate President Taher Masri, who heads a recently formed commission to initiate a national dialogue on political reforms.

"It is obvious that deputies are uptight about reform demands. It is very important now to dissolve parliament and call for early elections. Otherwise, the talk about reforms will be useless," Mansur added.

Mansur criticized Senate President Masri's commission "because such a body should not be headed by senators, who are appointed by the king."

"The need to have a modern electoral law to produce MPs, who truly represent the people, (and) enjoys a national consensus," Mansur said.

The IAF, the political arm of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood, boycotted parliamentary elections in November 2010 in a protest over constituency boundaries set up under the current electoral law.

Calls by the IAF and other groups to dissolve the parliament have increased, particularly after Amman MP Mohammad Kuz described pro-reform protesters as "corrupt villains."

"We will not allow such corrupt villains to lead demonstrations. They have called for regime reforms, and they might demand regime change. If the government cannot stop them, we will do it ourselves,” Kuz said in the parliament on Thursday.

Inspired by the popular revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, Jordanians have been protesting for weeks, demanding political and economic reforms.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168931.html.

Turkish navy to help enforce Libya embargo

Ankara offers ships and submarine to help enforce arms embargo on Libya as talks over NATO's role in Libya continue.

23 Mar 2011

Turkey has offered four frigates, a submarine and a support ship to help NATO enforce a UN arms embargo on Libya, the military alliance has said.

Brigadier Pierre St Amand, a NATO military officer, said the alliance had so far received offers of 16 ships from a number of countries to implement the mission.

He said the ships included: a command-and-control ship from Italy; 10 frigates, including four from Turkey and one each from Britain, Spain, Greece, Italy, Canada and the US; submarines from Spain, Italy and Turkey; and auxiliary ships from Italy and Turkey.

St Amand said the NATO mission was authorized to use armed force to enforce the embargo.

Turkey, a NATO member, has said the air campaign over Libya led by France, the US and Britain has already gone beyond the scope of last week's UN Security Council resolution to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civilians.

In a speech to his ruling AK Party on Tuesday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the country's prime minister, said Turkey "will never point a gun at the Libyan people" and would explain its position to NATO allies.

The BBC reported on Wednesday that Abdullah Gul, the Turkish president, had cautioned the international coalition not to follow any hidden agenda over its operations in Libya.

Gul said it was "obvious" that some coalition countries saw the conflict as an opportunity for themselves.

The NATO mission will have the means to intercept and board suspicious ships, and the authority to fire a warning shot across the bow, a NATO official said on condition of anonymity.

"If after inspection, doubts remain as to the legitimacy of the cargo, the vessel will be diverted to a designated port for further inspection," St Amand said.

The operation was officially launched late on Tuesday after envoys of the 28-nation alliance gave the green light.

UK summit

William Hague, the UK foreign minister, said on Wednesday that Britain would host an international conference in London next Tuesday to discuss progress on the Libyan intervention.

"At the conference we will discuss the situation in Libya with our allies and partners and take stock of the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973," Hague said in a statement.

"We will consider the humanitarian needs of the Libyan people and identify ways to support the people of Libya in their aspirations for a better future."

Hague said a "wide and inclusive range of countries" would be invited, particularly from the region.

"It is critical that the international community continues to take united and coordinated action in response to the unfolding crisis," he said.

"The meeting will form a contact group of nations to take forward this work."

Earlier French officials said the meeting would be at foreign minister level and would include the African Union, the Arab League and the associated European countries.

'Technical role'

Meanwhile, NATO ambassadors held a third day of talks in Brussels to decide on the extent of NATO involvement in the UN-mandated mission.

The envoys are trying to reach agreement on who should lead military operations against Muammar Gaddafi's forces, with France saying NATO will have only a "technical role".

The US, Britain and France agreed on Tuesday that the alliance should play a key operational role, but the agreement of all 28 NATO states is needed and they have been split over whether it should also exercise political control.

There was no immediate word on whether Ankara would accept a compromise at the meeting.

France, which launched the air campaign against Libya with Britain and the US on Saturday, argues that having a US-led NATO in charge would erode Arab support because of the alliance's unpopularity in the Arab world.

Qatar has sent four warplanes, the United Arab Emirates has offered support, and David Cameron, the British prime minister, said Kuwait and Jordan had agreed to make logistical contributions to protect civilians in Libya.

France wants to create an ad hoc steering group of member states of the coalition, including the Arab League, to exercise political control.

Laurence Lee, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Brussels, said the US, the French and the British had come to "some sort of accommodation with each other" but that there was still no final agreement.

Lee said: "On one level, the Americans, the British, have their way ... that NATO would run the military aspect of things and in turn the French would have their way, the Nato political command wouldn't be in charge and instead the plan says there would be a different sort of umbrella grouping.

"[This] would take in not just foreign ministers from Western NATO countries but foreign ministers from countries, for example, like Qatar or the Arab League ... to demonstrate a much bigger political umbrella and give a nod to the fact that NATO is acutely aware that this could be inflammatory to Muslim and Arab sensibilities."

One possible model would be the structure of the NATO-led International Peace Assistance Force in Afghanistan, in which non-NATO participating nations get a seat in the political steering group, diplomats said.

"For reasons of efficiency, we want a single command structure to run the coalition action, and NATO has such capabilities, so we must use its resources," Francois Baroin, a French government spokesman, said after a cabinet meeting in Paris.

"We are working to ensure that the coalition continues to retain the political leadership," Baroin said. "Talks with our allies are being finalised. It''s not quite nailed down yet."

Overnight movement

The US, Britain, Italy and Norway all want to put NATO in charge.

Turkey has said the alliance's role should be governed by several conditions, including an end to the military campaign as soon as possible.

NATO diplomats said there was a constructive mood going into Wednesday's meeting, but it was unclear if there would be an agreement.

A European diplomat said there appeared to be have been a shift in the French position following consultations between Cameron, Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, and Barack Obama, the US president, overnight that could make a political deal possible.

"The line we now have is that NATO should have a key role in the command structure ... that's a little bit short of the lead role, but different from where France was a couple of days ago," the diplomat said.

Key to finding a deal would be to agree a mechanism which would allow for Arab involvement in the political leadership of the mission, the diplomat said.

Obama, under domestic pressure to limit US involvement, said on Tuesday he had "absolutely no doubt" a deal would be reached soon.

The question of who takes over leadership of the Libya mission is crucial for Obama, who has stressed limited US involvement to both voters and politicians worried about US forces becoming bogged down in another Muslim country while still occupied in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Source: al-Jazeera.
Link: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/03/2011323142534477747.html.

Syria protesters torch buildings

One person killed as demonstrations in the southern city of Daraa continue for a third straight day.

20 Mar 2011

Crowds have set fire to the courthouse and other buildings on a third straight day of demonstrations in the southern Syrian city of Daraa.

Residents said one person was killed and scores injured when security forces used live rounds against protesters. Witnesses said dozens were also taken to be treated for tear gas inhalation at the main Omari mosque.

Thousands took to the streets on Sunday, calling for an end to corruption and 48 years of emergency law and to protest the killing of five civilians in a similar demonstration two days earlier.

The headquarters of the ruling Baath party was set ablaze as well as two phone company branches. One of the firms, Syriatel, is owned by President Bashar al-Assad's cousin Rami Makhlouf, who is under specific US sanctions for what Washington regards as public corruption.

"They burned the symbols of oppression and corruption," an activist said. "The banks nearby were not touched."

An AFP correspondent said protesters also tried to march on the home of the town's governor, but security forces used warning shots and tear gas to stop them.

"No. No to emergency law. We are a people infatuated with freedom," marchers chanted as a government delegation arrived in the city to offer their condolences for victims killed on Friday.

Syrian authorities have announced that they would establish a commission to investigate the deaths.

Al Jazeera's Rula Amin, reporting from Damascus, said the government was trying to contain the unrest, to prevent it from spreading to other parts of Syria.

"They've made very clear indications that they're going to sack and dismiss local security officials who are responsible for those killings, and the governor of Daraa," she said.

Children detained

Friday's protest was fueled by the arrest of 15 schoolchildren detained for writing pro-democracy graffiti inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

The children were arrested in Daraa earlier this month after graffiti appeared on school walls and on grain silos with phrases such as "the people want the overthrow of the regime".

The government said in a statement on Sunday that the children would be released immediately.

Daraa is primarily an agricultural community, and the economy has been hurt by falling water levels in recent years. The region also houses thousands of people who left their homes in eastern Syria because of an ongoing water crisis.

A silent protest in Damascus by 150 people this week demanded the release of thousands of political prisoners. At least one activist from Daraa, Diana al-Jawabra, took part in the protest. She was arrested on charges of weakening national morale, along with 32 other protesters, a lawyer said.

Jawabra was campaigning for the release of the 15 schoolchildren from her home city. Another prominent woman from Daraa, physician Aisha Aba Zeid, was arrested three weeks ago for posting a political opinion on the internet.

Residents say the arrest of the two women deepened feelings of repression and helped fuel the protests in Daraa, close to the border with Jordan.

Smaller demonstrations have also been held in the central city of Homs, and the coastal city of Banias.

The non-violent protests started last Tuesday after calls on Facebook demanding greater freedom in the country, which has been under emergency law since 1963.

Source: al-Jazeera.
Link: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011320113138901721.html.