Report: Jordanian King's motorcade attacked

A group of young men attacked the motorcade of King Abdullah II of Jordan with stones and empty bottles as he visited the southern city of Tafileh on Monday, but no one was hurt, a security official said.

Jordan’s government spokesman Taher Adwan denied that the motorcade of King Abdullah II was attacked.

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Jordan’s King vowed on Sunday reforms leading to parliamentary government and a tougher fight against anti-corruption, warning against “chaos” and the media creating a climate of “hatred.”

In his first televised address since pro-reform protests began in January, the king pledged a new electoral law that would result in “a parliament with active political party representation… that allows the formation of governments based on parliamentary majority… in the future.”

“The practical approach to this meets the constitutional review now being undertaken by the royal committee I recently tasked to explore possible amendments appropriate for Jordan’s present and future,” he said.

Rising opposition

The opposition, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood and its political arm the Islamic Action Front, wants sweeping reforms, including a new electoral law that would lead to a parliamentary system of government and elected prime minister.

But the king said, “No one in Jordan has a monopoly on reform or its promotion.”

“We seek a state of democracy, pluralism and participation through political reforms… away from the dictates of the street and the absence of the voice of reason,” he added.

Reiterating his “firm” fight against corruption, the king warned that dealing with it “on the basis of rumors and gossip… mars Jordan’s reputation both regionally and internationally, negatively affecting any endeavor to attract investment.”

“We want a media that can carry the message of freedom and reform, optimize the accomplishments of our country and protect national unity and the relationship among Jordanians,” he said.

He said Jordanians should be “aware of the difference between the required democratic transformations and achievable ones on the one hand, and the risks of chaos” on the other.

Since January, Jordan has been facing a protest movement demanding political and economic reforms and an end to corruption.

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