More efficient civil service system endorsed

"There are certain legal procedures that should be followed before amnesty is granted by the King of Jordan to former union president Leith Shbeilat come into effect," Jordan's acting Minister of Information Nasser Lawzi said.

Shbeilat was arrested in February on charges of inciting a pro-Iraqi riot in the southern Jordanian city of Maan. The Royal pardon was announced following a meeting the king attended with Jordanian professional unions' heads and members on Monday.

Regarding other issues, Lawzi told the reporters after a Cabinet meeting that a new civil service system endorsed by the Cabinet yesterday would take effect when procedures for newly introduced ammendments are completed.

The system would improve the ability and efficiency of Jordanian public departments, Jordan Times reported.

"Jordan is pursuing coordination with the Palestnian National Authority to keep addressed with the latest developments" concerning the Middle East peace process, Lawzi said.

"The King will meet today with the representatives of the excutive Judicial and Legislature branches," he said.