The main features of proposed legislation governing the sale of state land have been finalized by a state-appointed legal committee headed up by Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif. The proposed law has been referred to the Ministry of Justice, which is expected to prepare a final draft. Council of Ministers spokesman Magdi Radi said that, under the new law, four bodies would be responsible for administering and developing state land. These include the Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development, the State Land Authority and the State Land Protection Authority, as well as any official with legal jurisdiction over the land in question, such as provincial governors. Radi went on to point out that the PM had emphasized the importance of determining the value of land in accordance with its intended use, and that all sales of state land should be preceded by thorough planning and study. "The draft law on state land deals is based on seven principles, the most important of which is the need to determine the intended use of the land, as well as the prevention of the acquisition of state land via non-legislative means," he said. Official sources told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the new law, if approved, would ensure that those found guilty of state land violations would be banned from holding high government positions. The same sources went on to reveal that the Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development would be tasked with determining the exact areas of land to be allocated to each ministry. Under the terms of the new legislation, the direct sale of state land to individuals or companies would be rendered illegal, the sources added. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
