Jordanian official to hold new PM talks

Director of Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court Fayez el-Tarwana is set to hold a meeting with the country's top two parliamentary blocks on Monday to discuss the appointment of a new prime minister. The Jordanian official will discuss the matter with Watan Block, which has 27 parliamentarians and Democratic Unionist Block for Reform, which has 25 parliamentarians. Watan Block MP Atef el-Tarwana told Arabstoday that the new prime minister needs to have the political and economic background to formulate a clear reform programme for at least one year. On the other hand, Democratic Unionist Block for Reform MP Mustafa Shenikat said that the new PM should adopt a political and economic vision allowing him to find suitable solutions for the problems facing Jordan. Fayez el-Tarwana is also expected to consult other political parties and independent MPs in Jordan. The former Prime Minister succeeded Riyadh Abu Karaki, a former Jordanian army general, as director of the Royal Hashemite Court last month.