CAIRO: A National Conference held in Cairo yesterday discussed a document of new constitutional principles which includes 20 articles. The document focuses on using constitutional mechanisms to protect Egypt as a civil state and to protect general and strategic facilities from privatization. Around 4,000 people attended the conference initially intended for 2,500. There were representatives from all governorates and political tendencies, with the notable exception of the Muslim Brotherhood. Sufis were represented by Shiekh Abdel-Hadi Al-Qasbi. Mohsen al-Nomaani, minister of local development, and Magid Othman, minister of telecommunications, attended on behalf of the government, while the military council was absent. Titled "Egypt is First," the conference is the first to gather all political powers – except the Brotherhood – since Egypt's January 25 Revolution. It aimed to form a national council including representatives from all political tendencies as well as laborers and farmers. The council's aim will be to put in place mechanisms for upcoming parliamentary elections, draft a new constitution and rebuild Egypt's economy. Mohsen al-Nomaani delivered a speech on behalf of the Prime Minster. He said a national dialogue is the only way to solve the impediments to Egypt's transition. During his speech, attendees interrupted him, demanding the release of prisoners. He responded, “We are the people's government; we came for achieving your demands not for imprisoning Egyptians." A document containing 20 proposed articles for the next Egyptian constitution was presented at the conference. It was proposed by the National Group for Egypt's Constitutional and Legal Development, whose members include Mohamed Nour Farahat, Counselor Tahani Al-Gebali, Dr. Hossam Essa and Gaber Gad. The document included principles to ensure Egypt remains a civil state working to achieve freedom and justice. It says society should respect the principles of citizenship, diversity, and equality among all citizens; Islam is the religion of the state and principles of Sharia (Islamic Law) are the main source of legislation; it also guarantees freedom of religion for non-Muslims. It called for determining the legal status of Egypt's president and conditions for nomination. It also called for separating the presidency of the state from the presidency of political parties, preventing the president from financial dealings with the state and improving transparence regarding presidential finances. The document supported judicial independence, and said military trials should be limited to military crimes and should not extend to civilians. Hossam Issa, member of group "to restore Egypt's stolen money," said developing the country needs more than overthrowing the political regime. He clarified that issues of democracy and the constitution are only one side of development. Nasr Fareed Wasel, Egypt's former mufti, said Islam supports the principles of a civil state as democracy, citizenship and national unity. Nasser Abdel-Hamid, representative of the revolution alliance, warned of dangers the revolution faces. He demanded cleansing the governmental institutions from symbols of the former regime. Dr. Mohamed Ghoneim demanded formulating a new constitution before holding the next parliamentary elections. Dr. Abdel-Galil Mustafa, general coordinator of the National Association for Change, proposed adding a constitutional article to protect the Nile, emphasizing that the Nile River and national unity are two main pillars in Egypt. Arabic here.
