Thousands of Jordanians March to Press for Political, Economic Reform

Thousands of Jordanians demonstrated peacefully in Amman and other cities after weekly prayers on Friday to press for political and economic reform, and demanding that the government resign.

"Egypt, the Arab nation salutes you. We urge your men to get rid of (President Hosni) Mubarak," an estimated 3,000 people chanted as they marched in Amman city center holding national flags.

"The Arab people's message: you are corrupt, beware our anger. (Ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine) Ben Ali is waiting for you," they said.

Police said around 2,000 people staged protests in other cities, answering a call by the powerful Muslim Brotherhood which is insisting on forcing political and economic reform in the kingdom.

"Together let's make political and economic change", "no alternative to political reform," and "down with the Samir Rifai government. We want a national salvation government," read some banners, referring to Jordan's premier.

Tunisia's popular revolt, which ousted the country's veteran strongman Ben Ali, has inspired dissidents across the Arab world and sparked protests.