Amr Moussa rejects the idea of replacing Egypt's de facto military rulers by a presidential council during the transition period, he said on Saturday. He said such a move would mean forming a three member presidential council appointed by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). A presidential council would serve as a substitute for parliamentary and presidential elections, warned Moussa, who is currently on a visit to Oslo, Norway to participate in a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The proposed advisory council functions differently from a presidential council, Moussa said. Moussa said he suggested two months ago that civilian figures participate in running the country. He noted that this idea helped serve as inspiration for the SCAF's recent decision to create the advisory council. The advisory council comprises 50 civilian figures, including politicians and public figures, to assist the SCAF and give advice with regard to resolutions and laws, said Moussa, adding that the council should meet with the military leaders periodically or at least once a month. Moussa expressed his conviction that setting up the advisory council was a wise move, saying it is an important step toward restoring stability to the country. The advisory council would impose a moral obligation on the SCAF. In case the SCAF ignored recommendations provided by the civilian council, its members could resign in protest, especially because membership is voluntary and does not provide financial returns. Moussa emphasized that the advisory council includes patriotic figures who agreed to participate in the council.
