Delegates at the National Accord Conference currently under way in Cairo have recommended the immediate dissolution of local councils, describing them as the major foci for corruption in Egypt. The former head of the Judges Club, Zakariya Abdel Aziz, suggested the formation of popular committees comprised of reputable individuals to run the local councils for a transitional period until new boards are elected. Speaking at the conference, Major General Mamdouh Shahin, a member of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, responded to calls for the dissolution of councils by saying that a decision on the matter would be made soon. He told the conference that the issue could only be resolved by court order. He said that the councils provided support to the work of governors, and for this reason they could not be dissolved immediately. He added that, according to law, elections for new councils would have to be held within 60 days, meaning that they would clash with upcoming parliamentary elections and a referendum on a new constitution. Following the 25 January revolution, several young revolutionaries demanded that local councils be dissolved, suggesting that they are run by elements affiliated to the disbanded National Democratic Party. Observers believe that local councils are teeming with corruption and bribes, adding that over the past few decades they have abandoned their role of financial oversight. Participants at the National Accord Conference on Sunday also called for the immediate formation of popular committees to help the police in their work, suggesting that they be granted licenses to carry weapons. The conference also tackled the issue of landmines remaining in the Western Desert since World War II, urging their immediate removal in order to encourage the development process in the region. They said that those states who had planted the mines should bear a portion of the cost of their removal. Participants also stressed the need to tackle thuggery, highlighting the importance of cooperation between police and the military. Meanwhile, a number of attendees slammed presidential candidates for revealing their political platforms on satellite television channels, despite the fact that nominations for the presidential race have not yet been accepted. The National Accord Conference started on 26 May, seeking to achieve a consensus on the outlines of the country's next constitution, among other issues. Translated from the Arabic Edition
