Jordan's king promises reform process is irreversible

Feb 19, 2012, 15:43 GMT

Amman - Jordan's King Abdullah II on Sunday pledged to continue with a reform package, in the wake of 12 months of weekly demonstrations inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

'We have achieved important steps on the road of reform and we are determined not go back or stop and will not permit anybody to impede this process or deviate it from its path or its noble objectives,' the monarch said.

King Abdullah made the remarks during a meeting with members of the lower house of parliament.

'The political reform map should lead to the conduction of parliamentary elections later this year in accordance with a new election law that ensures the highest degree of representation and the formation of parliamentary governments,' he said.

The Islamic-led opposition and other pro-reform movements have been calling for the curtailment of the king's powers, including his appointment of prime ministers and ministers.

Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh said last week that he supported a new election law along the lines of the 1989 system that brought an Islamic majority to the lower house.