Government ministers resigned Wednesday to allow Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit to reshuffle his Cabinet, a government official said.

The reshuffle was expected and there have been reports that al-Bakhit was dissatisfied with the performance of some ministers, especially those holding service and economic portfolios.

The government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said al-Bakhit would announce the new Cabinet later Wednesday.

The official said the resignations were a "standard procedure" to enable the prime minister to choose new ministers.

In Jordan, a limited Cabinet reshuffle often takes place before the opening of parliament. King Abdullah II has instructed parliament to convene on Tuesday.

The king, who wields absolute power under Jordan's constitution, appoints the prime minister and normally takes a close interest in the formation of the government.

Al-Bakhit was appointed prime minister in November last year, days after suicide bombers attacked three Amman hotels in explosions that killed 60 people.

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