Jordanian King Unharmed in Motorcade Attack

Posted June 13th, 2011 at 8:20 am (UTC-5)
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The motorcade of Jordan's King Abdullah was attacked on Monday but officials say the king was unharmed.

The French news agency reported that students threw rocks and bottles at the king's motorcade as he visited the southern city of Tafileh. Officials say the motorcade changed its route after the incident.

The attack comes after Jordan's king said he is pursuing reforms that will allow future governments to be formed based on an elected parliamentary majority. The measure is a key demand of pro-democracy protesters calling for greater political representation.

In a nationally televised address Sunday, the king promised further changes. He said a royal commission is now exploring “possible amendments” to the constitution.

The Jordanian monarch did not elaborate on the reforms or give a timetable for implementation, saying sudden change could lead to chaos and unrest.

An important U.S. ally, King Abdullah also vowed a tougher fight against corruption, but warned the Jordanian media and political parties against creating a climate of hatred.

Since January, the king has faced protesters demanding a newly elected parliament to replace one widely seen as ineffective and complacent.