Jordan's future after King Hussien

King Hussien of Jordan said yesterday that he had discussed succession with his younger brother, Crown Prince Hassan. The king said he had full confidence his brother, chosen as his successor 32 years ago, but said the two men had been working out who from among the large royal family was best qualified to succeed the 50-year old prince.

King Hussien, 71, was found to have cancer in 1992. Doctors asserted that he was successfully treated, but since his treatment, the chain-smoking monarch has talked more openly about Jordan's future after his death, Al Ahrar daily said today.