Islamists reject offer to join new Jordan government

AMMAN - Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood movement and its political arm, the Islamic Action Front, have turned down an offer to join the new government, the IAF chief said Sunday.

However, IAF secretary general Hamzeh Mansour told DPA that his party would consider being a part of the Jordanian executive only after fair elections.

Premier-designate Marouf Bakhit has offered Islamist leaders five portfolios in the new administration, media reports said.

“The matter is not five or 10 portfolios, but rather we exclude taking part in the government at this juncture and believe we can serve our country better in the opposition,” Mansour said.

King Abdullah sacked the government of prime minister Samir Rifai last week after a series of protests, which were partly inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

“We are monitoring the situation to see to what extent the new government will be serious in conducting reforms that lay the ground for sound and democratic elections,” Mansour said.