The head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Shenouda III, wished former Arab League Secretary Amr Moussa luck with his presidential campaign when the two met at Shenouda's office Thursday, MENA reported. Moussa adopted admirable positions as foreign minister and Arab League secretary, Shenouda said. "I hope Egyptians' choice of presidential candidates will be governed by logic," the Pope added, expressing hope for democracy and development. Moussa attacked the former regime for paralyzing society and exploiting sectarian conflicts to serve its own interests. Moussa said the next rulers will have to fix what has been damaged by the former regime, adding that Upper Egypt and Sinai development will be prioritized should he win the presidency. The former Arab League secretary general has been slammed for having had links to Hosni Mubarak's regime, under which he served as foreign minister from 1991 to 2001, when he was elected head of the league. Moussa reiterated his warning against extending the transitional period, suggesting that presidential elections and a new constitution should precede the parliamentary polls. He said a panel representing all professions, civil society organizations and religious institutions should draft the new document so that the constitution is supported by popular consensus.
