ALERT: Jordan's king dismisses government as streets fill with protesters

The monarch fired his cabinet amid street protests inspired by Tunisia and Egypt

Published February 1, 2011 1:02PM (EST)

King Abdullah II of Jordan, center, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, review the Bedouin guards of honor during an official welcoming ceremony prior their talks, in Amman, Jordan, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Nader Daoud)  (AP)
King Abdullah II of Jordan, center, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, review the Bedouin guards of honor during an official welcoming ceremony prior their talks, in Amman, Jordan, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Nader Daoud) (AP)

Jordan's King Abdullah has dismissed his cabinet and ended the current government. The king has appointed Marouf al-Bakhit, a former army general, as his new prime minister, and asked him to form a new government.

King Abdullah's move comes after thousands of Jordanians took to the streets — inspired by the regime ouster in Tunisia and the turmoil in Egypt — and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Samir Rifai who is blamed for a rise in fuel and food prices and slowed political reforms.

The Royal Palace says Rifai's Cabinet resigned on Tuesday.

Abdullah also nominated Marouf al-Bakhit as his prime minister-designate. No other details were immediately available.


This story is developing. Check back for more details.


By AP/Salon

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