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Middle East
New Jordan government sworn in
Cabinet likely to pursue reforms and support Middle East policies of the US.
Last Modified: 25 Nov 2007 17:32 GMT
 Nader Dahabi, left, was appointed prime minister
by the king last Thursday [AFP]
A new government in Jordan has been sworn in by the country's monarch, King Abdullah II.
 
The pro-US king on Sunday administered the oath of office to the 27-member cabinet, led by technocrat Nader Dahabi, the prime minister.
The cabinet has been charged with increasing jobs and the pace of modernisation, and fighting corruption.
 
Dahabi, a former air force chief who transformed the Red Sea port of Aqaba into an investment success, was appointed prime minister on Thursday.
The new cabinet has four women members.
 
Dahabi replaces Marouf al Bakheet, who resigned last week following parliamentary polls after two years at the head of the government.
 
Elections to the 110-seat assembly was marred by accusations of vote buying and fraud.
 
The cabinet is likely to continue Jordan's free market reforms and maintain traditional support for US Middle Eastern policies.
 
Dahabi's past successes will be relied upon by the king to gain backing for economic and social reforms among the conservative establishment, the mainstay of the king's power base, officials said.
 
The king holds the most power via Jordan's constitution, granting him the ability to appoint governments, approve legislation and dissolve parliament.
Source:
Agencies
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