The Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces (SCAF) began sessions on Monday to discuss the Constitutional Declaration that is expected to be announced later this week, following the results of the referendum on constitutional amendments announced on Sunday. The official results of Egypt's referendum showed 77 per cent of voters voting "yes" to the proposed constitutional amendments, whereas 21.8 percent said "no". A source said the SCAF began holding its sessions on Monday after head of the SCAF, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the US Senate, and the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The source pointed out that since a majority of Egyptians approved the amendments to the constitution, the upcoming parliamentary and Shura Council elections slated for September and the Presidential elections slated for later this year will be governed by the amended articles. The same source pointed out that the amended articles will be added to the new Constitutional Declaration, which will be announced later this week. The source went on to say that, following the parliamentary and presidential elections, and the country being handed over to a civilian president, the president, speaker of Parliament, and the Shura Council chairman will draft a new constitution within a specified period. Vice Prime Minister Yahya Jamal told reporters on Monday that the Constitutional Declaration includes the amended articles, in addition to other articles, and that it will be announced soon. Translated from the Arabic Edition
