Jordan to introduce democratic reform

NJ.com ^ | 1/27/05 | JAMAL HALABY

[kattracks]

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — King Abdullah II, while urging citizens in neighboring Iraq to vote in this weekend's elections, said he would introduce some limited democratic reforms in his kingdom. In a televised speech, Abdullah said he wanted to "address all our brethren in Iraq, of all groups and spectrums, and call on them to take part in the elections to be held in a few days."

The king then unveiled plans to establish elected councils to oversee development in Jordan. He did not explain how the new councils would work with existing local authorities, half of whose members are appointed by the government.

"I assert here that political development should start at the grass roots, then move up to decision-making centers, and not vice versa," the king said.

Abdullah spoke only hours after President Bush urged him at a Washington press conference to "make sure that democracy continues to advance in Jordan."

Jordanian government officials, insisting on anonymity, stressed that Abdullah's announcement was not linked to Bush's call because the king had recorded his speech much earlier.

Bush made the statement in reply to a question on whether he would condemn the Jordanian government for arresting a man and charging him with slander after he delivered a lecture called "Why We Boycott America."

Regarding the vote in neighboring Iraq, Abdullah's reference to "all groups" appeared to be an implicit appeal to Sunni Muslims who have threatened to boycott Sunday's polls.

[ZULU]

"King Abdullah II, while urging citizens in neighboring Iraq to vote in this weekend's elections, said he would introduce some limited democratic reforms in his kingdom. In a televised speech,"

From now on, only fifty lashes for demonstrating against the Monarchy.

[NRA2BFree]

I hope he's serious. This would be a good thing. Especially if it gives the Iraqis the courage to vote and gives the Iranians courage to overthrow their government.

[iso]

Thanks