http://pdf.reuters.com/htmlnews/8knews.asp?i=43059c3bf0e37541&u=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20130117:nBw175953a
   Principles needed to successfully transition towards a full parliamentarygovernment system detailed in discussion paper.AMMAN, Jordan--(Business Wire)--In the second in a series of discussion papers, "Making Our Democratic SystemWork for All Jordanians," His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan has outlinedthe unwavering principles that will underpin Jordan`s democratic transitionprocess, as well as the conditions necessary for a successful transition towardsa full parliamentary government system of governance. English translation isavailable with this link: 
  http://bit.ly/XEkPyB.
  Since ascending the Throne in 1999, His Majesty King Abdullah II has expressed aclear and consistent vision for comprehensive reform and the future of Jordaniandemocracy. In this series of discussion papers, His Majesty lays outperspectives on specific elements of our journey towards realizing that future.The aim of these papers is to facilitate a national conversation around ourreform roadmap and democratic transformation to build consensus, encouragecitizens` participation in decision making, and sustain constructive momentumfor reform. Through these papers His Majesty offers a Royal patronage forunrestricted, constructive and intelligent discussions on Jordan`s future, bydissolving red lines and reiterating that Jordanians themselves hold the key totheir own destiny. Key quotes from King Abdullah II, offered in English translation:"Democracy is fundamentally something active, something we do as citizens and asa country. In Jordan, the basis for our democracy is the Constitution, which forclose to 90 years has provided the framework for how we make public choices anddecisions. This is the foundation, but our laws and institutions must continueto evolve and develop." "The Constitutional Monarchy in Jordan has changed and evolved for the past ninedecades and will continue to do so. The next stage is an evolution in how weselect our Government." "Crafting a modern democratic society will be the product of our learning anddeveloping together over time, not a single moment or set of reforms. Reform isnot merely a question of changes to laws and regulations. It requires anevolution in how citizens, civil servants and the representatives entrusted tomake decisions on behalf of citizens operate and interact within the currentsystem. As I outlined in my first paper, our commitment to active citizenship,respect and accountability, shared gain and sacrifice, and dialogue andcompromise along our journey, is critical to our success as a nation." "The principles underpinning our journey are clear. We will nurture and protectpolitical pluralism and develop the appropriate checks and balances for aproperly functioning democracy. We will strengthen and enhance our civil societyand ensure a level playing field for political competition. The rights of allcitizens, especially those of minorities, will be safeguarded as per ourConstitution." "As I have said before, the path towards deepening our democracy lies in movingtoward parliamentary government, where the majority coalition in Parliamentforms the Government. After the upcoming elections, we will start piloting aparliamentary government system, including how our Prime Ministers and Cabinetsare selected.... The key driver of the timeline for this transition is oursuccess in developing national political parties whereby they capture themajority of votes by citizens and with competent leaders capable of assumingpositions in our Government."  Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of JordanDana Daoud, 202-265-1606DDaoud@jordanembassyus.orgCopyright Business Wire 2013