CAIRO: A meeting was held between Egypt`s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) and 27 leaders of political parties to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments, the transitional period, and mechanisms for conducting parliamentary and presidential elections. Head of the SCAF, Hussein Tantawi, was not present at the meeting but the council was represented by four other members. The meeting was attended by the head of the liberal al-Wafd party, Al-Sayyed el-Badawi; the Muslim Brotherhood's General Guide Mohammed Badie; Ossama Ghazali Harb, leader of the Democratic Front Party; Abu el-Ela Madi, head of al-Wasat Party; Hamdeen Sabbahi, head of al-Karama Party; and other prominent opposition politicians. Several leaders of prominent opposition political parties called on the SCAF to extend the transitional period for more than six months. The army, which has been in charge of the country's administration since former president Hosni Mubarak stepped down in February, has promised to turn over power to a civilian president by the end of August. The leaders also called for amending the election law, extending the transitional period for their parties to prepare for elections, and abolishing the committee for political party affairs, which oversees the formation of political parties and was known to restrict the freedom of parties under the Mubarak regime. Local newspapers reported that Badie, the Muslim Brotherhood's representative, said the group should be allowed to play a role in the political life of Egypt. The group is technically an illegal organization. Wafd Party President al-Badawi said the SCAF voiced its commitment to and support of a peaceful handover of power to a civilian government. Amina el-Nakash, the Vice President of Al Tagammu` party, said the SCAF called on Egyptian citizens to cooperate with the army to restore stability and order in Egypt, and vowed to prosecute corrupt elements and enforce law. BM
