Jordan king Abdullah II swears in new CabinetMarch 30, 2013 - 21:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Jordan's royal palace says King Abdullah II has sworn in a new Cabinet led for the first time by a Prime Minister elected by lawmakers, The Associated Press reported. Earlier this month, Jordan's new parliament chose Abdullah Ensour to head the new government. Ensour previously served as a caretaker prime minister in the run-up to the January parliamentary elections, which were billed as the centerpiece of Abdullah's political reform program. The reforms granted parliament the power for the first time to pick a premier. The task was previously the king's prerogative. Abdullah has vowed a gradual transfer of some of his powers to parliament. In the Cabinet sworn in on Saturday, the defense, interior, finance and foreign ministries are headed by veteran politicians. The Cabinet must still win a parliamentary vote of confidence. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |