Jordan Demo Urges Reform ahead of New Govt.
Thousands of Jordanian demonstrators on Friday urged prime minister-designate Awn Khasawneh to implement political change as the international judge prepares to announce his reform-mandated government.
"We are demonstrating today to emphasize public demands for reform and demand the new government introduce genuine reforms," Zaki Bani Rsheid, head of the opposition Islamic Action Front (IAF), told Agence France Presse.
"The new government should be able to meet the current challenges and the intelligence department should stop interfering in civil and political life," he said as some 4,000 people marched from Al-Husseini mosque to the nearby city hall in central Amman.
Protesters -- including Islamists, leftists, youth groups and members of major tribes -- raised a giant national flag and banners that read "reform is our objective," "no to corruption," and "no to bullying and intimidation."
"We want action, not words. The regime should change its policies," they chanted in one voice.
The demonstration comes as Khasawneh, 61, who has been a judge at The Hague-based International Court of Justice since 2000, readies to unveil the composition of his cabinet.
King Abdullah II last Monday appointed Khasawneh as prime minister to replace Maarouf Bakhit, with political reform the top priority. He held talks with opposition Islamists on Thursday, hoping they would join his government.
"While waiting for the response of the Islamists, the prime minister-designate has decided to give himself a delay of a few days before forming his government, probably Monday," a member of Khasawneh's circle said.
Since January, Jordan has faced protests demanding political and economic reforms and an end to corruption.
Source: Agence France Presse
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