Jordanian prime minister resigns

Jordan's economy has suffered from the war in its neighbour, Iraq

Jordan's Prime Minister, Ali Abul-Ragheb, has offered to resign after three years in the job.

No reason was given for the move, which was announced by political sources in the capital, Amman, on Monday.

The same sources predicted King Abdullah would accept the resignation and appoint a replacement within days.

Mr Abul-Ragheb's government has been accused of failing to stem corruption, but supporters say it boosted the economy at a time of regional crisis.

He was appointed in June 2000 with a mandate to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investment.

News of his resignation comes just before parliament is due to reconvene.

'Younger, leaner cabinet'

Since his appointment, Mr Abul-Ragheb reshuffled his cabinet six times, the latest occasion being this summer after a parliamentary election.

Jordan's Queen Rania is an advocate of greater rights for women

Conservative, liberal and Islamic opposition parties have accused his administration of fostering corruption and curbing civil liberties - charges the government has denied.

Political sources which spoke to Western news agencies on Monday tipped Faisal al-Fayez, the current royal court minister, to succeed Mr Abul-Ragheb.

They said his appointment could come as early as Thursday.

One source who spoke to AFP news agency said the new cabinet would have fewer ministers and would feature younger ministers with more women members, in line with King Abdullah's aim of modernising his state.

The current cabinet has only one woman member.

On Monday, Jordan's Queen Rania hosted the Fourth Euro-Mediterranean Forum of Women Parliamentarians in Amman, telling delegates more had to be done to secure women's rights in law.