Jordan ministerial reshuffle might cover Muasher
Jordan, Politics, 10/22/2004

Jordanian officials announced yesterday that the prime minister Faisal al- Fayez will make a ministerial reshuffle within the few next days that might include the foreign minister Marwan Muasher, with the aim of strengthening his fist in dealing with an Islamic opposition whose voice is growing, but with keeping reformers in their posts.

Al-Fayez told some chieftains this week that the government will not permit the voices which speak up in marches and demonstrations and criticizing the leaders of the country. He said that this threatens the country's political security.

Officials said that ministerial posts will be cancelled in the amendment which will cover ten ministers at least in the government which includes 20 ministers including three women ministers. They added that the new cabinet might take its oath tomorrow ( Saturday) and it will help al-Fayez in confronting the Islamic opposition which occupies 17 seats in the parliament which is of a tribal composition.

On Thursday, al-Fayez held several meetings with heads of parties and members of the government as well as with the Jordanian king Abdullah II, according to officials. By the beginning of the current week he had met with several politicians.

The officials said that the reshuffle might include the post of the foreign minister which is occupied by Muasher. The Jordanian daily al-Rai said that among the nominee for acceding Muasher is the Jordanian ambassador in Egypt Hani al-Malaqi.

Previous Stories:
  Jordanian opposition demands a new electoral law   (10/21/2004)
  Jordan accuses 13 including al-Zarqawi of the chemical attack plan   (10/18/2004)
  Ten new ministers join the Jordanian government   (10/18/2004)

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