King Abdullah finally has his say on reforms

Jordan's King Abdullah II yesterday called for "quick and real" political reforms to give the public a greater role in governing and to eliminate corruption, favoritism and nepotism.

The King's comments are his first public remarks since anti-government protests began in Jordan seven weeks ago. Activists are demanding a stronger role in politics and greater political freedoms. King Abdullah vowed to forge ahead with political reforms, saying it was "in the interest of our people".

He called for a comprehensive review of all bills, especially a heavily disputed election law that the opposition claims favours the King's Bedouin tribal loyalists at the expense of Islamists and other constituencies.