Jordan Islamists in 'frank' talks with king

AMMAN:  Jordan's Islamist leaders, who are pushing for political and economic changes, said on their website that talks with King Abdullah II had been "frank" and centered on reform."The meeting with the king was frank and clear and touched on various national problems, notably political reform, a modern and democratic electoral law ... which will lead to the formation of a parliamentary government," the Islamic Action Front (IAF) said of its meeting with the monarch on Thursday.

The talks, it added in the statement posted on its website late Thursday, had also focused on making "the constitutional amendments necessary for a partnership with all political forces."The IAF, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, wants the constitution to be amended to allow the head of the parliamentary majority to become de facto prime minister. The 1952 constitution gives the king sole prerogative in appointing and removing premiers.

After Thursday's talks in Amman, the royal palace issued a statement stating that Abdullah had acknowledged during the meeting that reforms have "decelerated and stumbled," and pledged "serious steps" for change."Jordan's reform drive has decelerated and stumbled, which cost the country a lot of chances to achieve progress," the statement quoted the king as telling the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood and the IAF.

However, he continued: "I see a real opportunity to implement global reforms that will enable Jordan to become an example of security and stability.""My vision for comprehensive reforms and modernisation must be translated into practical and serious steps focusing on all Jordanians and the country's interests," the monarch said.In its Internet statement, the IAF said it had stressed "the urgency of serious measures on the path to reform."

"The king expressed his understanding and his intention to implement his vision of reform that will enable a new era," the IAF said, adding that their delegation had submitted to the king a written document detailing their demands for reform.On Tuesday the king named Maaruf Bakhit, 64, a career soldier and former premier, as prime minister after sacking the government of Samir Rifai, 43, following weeks of protests to demand political and economic reforms.

He instructed Bakhit to "take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms." However, the powerful IAF criticised the monarch's choice, saying that Bakhit was not a reformist.The new premier held talks with the Islamists on Wednesday night.The IAF, Jordan's main opposition group, says it seeks reform rather than regime change. It called for a new demonstration on Friday, having organised several others in past weeks.