King Abdullah II announced steps toward democratic reform in Jordan on Wednesday and urged all Iraqis to take part in their historic elections. In a televised speech, Abdullah said he wanted to "address all our ars are appointed by the government. "I assert here that political development should start at the grassroots, then move up to decision-making centers, and not vice versa," the king said. "Mahmoud, what's he saying?"
"I dunno Ahmed, he's babbling in tongues again. Musta seen a blonde." |
He said the plan for the new councils would be developed and implemented with assistance from a royal commission that will soon be formed. Abdullah spoke only hours after US President George W. 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. "How much earlier?"
"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." Since ascending the throne five years ago, Abdullah has sought to press ahead with reforms introduced by his late father, King Hussein, who died in 1999. Hussein's reforms focused on political liberalization, which included reviving a multiparty system banned since a 1956 leftist coup attempt and restoring parliamentary elections. Abdullah's reforms are economy-oriented. A computer and Internet enthusiast, Abdullah wants to make Jordan a regional information technology hub. He also wants to see his nation geared toward open-market economy and globalization and has introduced relevant legislation in recent years. His early target was to ensure that Jordanians have access to computers, improved education and health care. |