Crown Prince Abdullah sworn in as regent of Jordan
Saturday, 6 February 1999 18:20
Crown Prince Abdullah has been sworn in as regent in Jordan. His father, King Hussein, is being kept alive on an artificial respirator and doctors say his death is imminent.
After being sworn in, the Crown Prince said he would continue his father's traditional policy in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon have cancelled a planned visit to Jordan at the kingdom's request. Reports say Netanyahu and Sharon were to have met with Prince Abdullah tomorrow.
Government officials in Jordan are making arrangements for a State funeral for King Hussein. The King's family has decided not to switch off his life support machine because of differences over religious ethics.
The 63-year-old king was pronounced clinically dead yesterday hours after returning from the Mayo clinic in the United States where he had been receiving treatment for lymphatic cancer.
Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world. The former US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger has described him as "courageous, dignified and intelligent" and as a man who "made a great contribution to stability and peace in the Middle East".
- 6.01 News: Crown Prince Abdullah sworn in as regent of Jordan
- 1.00 News: Jordan's Crown Prince sworn in as regent
