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Jordan's New PM Begins Talks on Forming Cabinet

   VOA News  February 02, 2011
   Marouf al-Bakhit delivers a speech in Amman, Jordan (file photo)

Photo: AP

   Jordan's  prime  minister-designate Marouf al-Bakhit delivers a speech
   in Amman, Jordan (file photo)

   Jordan's prime minister-designate began consultations on forming a new
   government Wednesday, a day after being appointed by King Abdullah.
   Marouf  al-Bakhit  has met with Senate President Taher Masri. Jordan's
   Petra  news  agency  says  the two men discussed a need for government
   reforms.  The  news agency says Mr. Bakhit pledged to enact reforms as
   soon as possible.
   King  Abdullah  dismissed his government on Tuesday following weeks of
   public   protests  for  political  change.  Demonstrators  blamed  the
   government  for  rising fuel and food prices as well as slow political
   reforms.  The  protests  have  been  similar to those that led to last
   month's ouster of Tunisia's president.
   A  palace  statement on Tuesday said King Abdullah was tasking the new
   Cabinet  with  taking  "practical  and  swift" steps to launch what it
   called "true political reforms."

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