A Future Jordan - نحن الأردن

Jordan's king warns deputies not to block reforms by REUTERS

Jordan's king warns deputies not to block reforms
16 Aug 2005 17:48:49 GMT
By Suleiman al-Khalidi
REUTERS

AMMAN, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Jordan's King Abdullah told conservative tribal deputies on Tuesday to put national interests above petty squabbling, comments officials said were a warning not to block Western-style reforms.

Officials said the king's rare attack on the group that has traditionally been the monarchy's staunchest supporter was meant to head off growing opposition to a programme of accelerated reforms planned by Prime Minister Adnan Badran's cabinet.

"It's not in the interest of the country to transform parliament to a battleground between blocs or political centres of power," the monarch told conservative loyalists who dominate the country's 110-member assembly, which is largely tribal.

"The challenges we face are much bigger than squabbling over who wants to be a minister or prime minister," Abdullah said in an address from the palace.

Badran, a 69-year-old U.S.-educated academic appointed last April, is trying to tackle corruption, push through major state asset sales and streamline a bloated public sector. His efforts have brought mounting criticism. Conservative deputies accuse him of promoting a pro-Western reform agenda and ignoring tribal sensitivities, and many also fear electoral reforms may dilute the influence of their Bedouin power base.

Tough parliamentary criticism of Badran's performance has been viewed as the most direct challenge to Abdullah's reform agenda since he assumed the throne in 1999, officials say.

Badran survived a vote of confidence to stay on last month only after he succumbed to tribal pressure to accept the resignation of Bassem Awadallah, a leading reformer of Palestinian origin, who was Abdullah's main economic advisor.

"If we want to strengthen Jordan, we should all be working together as a team, and we should continue along the path of reform, modernization and development," the monarch said.

"This endeavour requires new legislation, the delay of which will obstruct our progress. We are at the threshold of a new stage of modernization and development, so I ask all of you to work with the highest sense of responsibility."

The conservative establishment fears free market reforms will erode its grip on power and privileges, and has accused Badran's team of bowing to a U.S. reform agenda.

Although Washington has praised Jordan as a regional ally and model of pro-Western moderation, critics of the government say poverty and corruption among officials are on the rise.

Most powers rest with the king, who appoints governments, approves legislation and dissolves parliament.

posted by Ashraf Zeitoon @ 11:59 PM