EXCERPTS from the speech made by President Hosni Mubarak in Menoufiya on Thursday 28 July announcing his intention to nominate himself for a fifth term. "I shall work to earn your confidence and support for a new term in office. Should I be entrusted with the honour of helping steer the nation's march through the coming phase, replete with developments, challenges and hopes... together we will take a path we are confident of. We will strive to protect the security, stability and sovereignty of the nation. We shall never allow any foreign presence or interference. We shall never give ground to those who seek to endanger Egypt's stability or undermine our hopes for the future. We shall never succumb to the scourge of terrorism nor cease our battles against it." "The emergency laws have aided us in our fight against terrorism. Indeed, a great many nations are now enacting comprehensive anti-terrorist legislation. The time has come for us, too, within the next period to formulate legislation capable of undermining and uprooting terrorism so our nation can be spared the evils terror brings. We are [aiming] for an anti-terror law that can provide a legislative substitute for the emergency laws." "I shall seek legislative reforms that will introduce more checks on the execution of presidential prerogatives, in accordance with the constitution, at times when grave risks threaten the nation or might prevent institutions of state from fulfilling their constitutional duties." "Together we will work towards greater democratisation, liberating our economy in such a way as to protect the interests of peasants and workers and with an eye on the welfare of the economically disadvantaged." "Today I declare, before God and before the nation, I am satisfied with what we have, together, achieved. Having said that I know there is still much to be done and many challenges still to be faced. Poverty must be addressed, unemployment tackled and education improved." "I promise to work towards implementing economic and social policies that will increase job opportunities, improve living standards, guarantee decent conditions for the retired and allow the state to improve public education, health care, housing and transport. Together we will build a tomorrow where the middle class can strive for better living standards, where the disadvantaged have adequate social security provision and where the rights of women receive the attention they deserve." "I stand before you today, in my capacity as head of state, to declare Egypt's commitment to honour and apply all rules and regulations guaranteeing free and fair elections. I promise that the coming elections will be free, fair and transparent... and that all candidates will enjoy equal opportunities."
