AMMAN, Nov. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Jordan's new cabinet led by Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit was sworn in Sunday with reform tasks. The sworn-in ceremony took place before King Abdullah II who urged the new cabinet members to accelerate reform and tighten security after deadly bombings.

    Bakhit, 58, who had a long career in military intelligence, was recalled from a seven-month stint as Jordan's ambassador to Israel earlier this month to become deputy head of the royal court. He was appointed by King Abdullah on Thursday to replace Adnan Badran, 69, and form a new cabinet, the fifth under the king since he succeeded his father the late King Hussein in 1999.Among the 24-member cabinet, key posts that have changed hands include the interior ministry, the foreign ministry and the finance ministry.

    Meanwhile, only one woman Suhair Ali keeps her job at the helm of the Planning Ministry, down from four in the previous government of Adnan Badran, who had resigned after he was criticized by the parliament for pushing a pro-Western reform agenda while ignoring tribal sensitivities.

    Speaking at the occasion, Prime Minister Bakhit pledged to push with political reforms and bolster security after the Nov. 9triple bombings against three luxury hotels in the capital Amman killed some 60 people. Enditem