CAIRO - The formation of an advisory council to manage Egypt during the current transitional period until power is handed over to an elected civilian government was the main theme of a meeting between the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces' (SCAF) second-in-command and some politicians Saturday. The official Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported that the meeting of Sami Anan, the deputy chief of the SCAF, with 22 political leaders also discussed the mechanism and powers of such a council, as well as its legal framework. The agency pointed out in its report that a decree would be issued including names of members of the advisory council and its task, focusing on helping the SCAF during this transitional period. The meeting, which was held in the Defence Ministry, was attended by some presidential candidates, heads of political parties, university professors and artists. However, the MENA report stopped short of announcing when the council would be formed. The proposed council would consist of 30 members representing all political orientations with eight representing the revolutionary youth who would facilitate communication between the people, the SCAF and the Government. The council is meant to serve as a ‘buffer zone' between the SCAF and the public to avoid any misunderstandings or violence, like that which erupted in downtown Cairo from 19 to 23 November, leaving at least 40 protesters dead. The council will also ‘advise' the SCAF on any proposed new laws or regulations.
