Jordanian minister hails ‘green’ Arab Spring

Jordan’s Political Development Minister, Bassam Hadadeen, has defended recent democratic reforms in the country, claiming: “The Jordanian Spring was green, not bloody or violent.” Hadadeen claimed the Arab Spring represented the “Arab desire for freedom and democracy.” Speaking during a regional conference organised by the International Partners Institution, Hadadeen celebrated the “widespread support” Jordan’s House of Representatives enjoyed as a result of “safe democratic changes.” Constitutional amendments had preceded successful parliamentary elections on January 23 under the supervision of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Minister said. “Parliaments should work hard to develop parliamentary systems in Arab countries across the region,” he added. “Developing a parliamentary culture helps to protect the interests of the people, as well as their rights.”