Jordan King urges reform as Egypt protests rage

King Abdullah II said on Wednesday that Jordan needs to tackle popular grievances with a program of political and economic reforms, as mass protests raged in Egypt for a second straight day.

"Abdullah II insisted on the need to move forward with clear and transparent programs of political and economic reform, which will allow the kingdom to overcome the economic challenges, and assure Jordan and Jordanians the decent future they deserve," the royal palace cited the king as saying in a meeting.

"The king underlined the need for senators and all officials to be in constant contact with the people in all provinces of the kingdom to hear their grievances and open a completely frank dialogue with them on their ambitions, their interests and the issues of the day," it added.