New Jordanian government appointed

In a speech he gave today upon receiving members of the new government, Jordan's King Abdullah bin al-Hussein asserted firm relations of cooperation and mutual confidence with the Arab states.

He stressed Jordan's backing for Syria and Lebanon to restore their rights and land. He also stressed support for lifting sanctions from Libya, Sudan and Iraq.

Earlier in the day, the government of Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh submitted its resignation to King Abdullah and the king asked parliament member Abd al-Raouf al-Rawabdeh to form the new government.

In addition to the post of prime minister, al-Rawabdeh will also serve as defense minister.

The new government includes 23 minister, among them three deputy prime ministers and eight of the new Cabinet members are from the previous government.

Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah appointed Addel Al-Karim Al-Kabarity as the new Royal Court Chairman.