U.S. Embassy to Jordan reiterates U.S. support of King Abdullah amidst regional unrest

The United States Embassy to Jordan issued a statement Sunday reiterating American backing of Jordan, particularly in light of recent regional unrest that has led to the ousting of Egyptian and Tunisian presidents as well as domestic Jordanian unrest.

This endorsement comes mere days after Abdullah swore in a new government led by Marouf Bakhit, who has promised to widen public freedoms in response to the anti-government protests that have swept the region.

	Jordan's King Abdullah (R) meets with Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Royal Palace in Amman February 13, 2011.
	Photo by: Reuters

Bakhit, a former general, assumed the premiership after King Abdullah fired former Prime Minister Samir Rifai in light of the nationwide demonstrations, charging him to implement political and economic reforms to placate the masses.

US Assistant Secretary of State William Burns relayed his country's support to Jordanian King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Jordan on Sunday.
According to Bakhit, he and Burns discussed the latest developments in the region, a reference to the Egyptian uprising that led to the resignation of pro-West president Hosny Mubarak on Friday.
Bakhit had told the American envoy that his government had taken note of regional changes and "was taking measures to speed up political and economic reforms" and take serious steps to fight corruption.
According to the embassy, Burns "emphasized the strong, long-term American commitment to the wellbeing of Jordan, with whom the United States has worked in partnership for many decades in pursuit of peace and prosperity."

Burns also expressed Washington's support for Jordan's recent pledge to adhere to an "ambitious modernization agenda for a sustained, serious and comprehensive program of political and economic reforms."

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Jordan on Sunday for talks with his military counterpart and with Jordan's King Abdullah, and then continued to Israel where he attended a ceremony for outgoing Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi.