Katatni: Brotherhood Seek No Confrontation With Anyone

Katatni: Brotherhood Seek No Confrontation With Anyone

 Dr. Mohamed Saad Katatni, Speaker of the Egyptian People’s Assembly and Chairman of the newly elected committee entrusted with the task of writing the country’s new constitution, stressed that the Muslim Brotherhood does not seek any confrontation with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) or any other party.

Moreover, Dr. Katatni said that while some describe the Brotherhood’s statement as ‘fiery’ or profound, it was not addressed to SCAF, but to certain government ministers, specifically Faiza Abul-Naga, who had stated earlier that "If the People’s Assembly withdrew confidence from the government, it is possible to dissolve the parliament". The Brotherhood’s statement was its response to that. Then, SCAF issued its own statement in response to the Brotherhood’s.

Further, Dr. Katatni said: "I cannot imagine that, at this critical phase of Egypt’s historical experience of democratic transformation, the Brotherhood, the military or the Cabinet, or any individual or establishment for that matter is looking for confrontation. Everyone should be keen to join hands and work side by side to reach the end of this transitional phase and safeguard and advance Egypt’s national interests."

Regarding the constitution-writing panel, Dr. Katatni stressed that the Constituent Assembly will physically visit all parts of Egypt, on a tour to the north, south, east and west – including Nubia, the Sinai and other regions of the country, to collect all kinds of proposals, ideas and suggestions for the new constitution. This is meant to ensure that the Constitution reflects the entire spectrum of the Egyptian people with all their hues and denominations.

Furthermore, the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly announced that a website will be set up for everyone to express, exchange and discuss views and news, regarding the Assembly, with all Egyptians and non-Egyptian partaking in the debate. He also announced the establishment of an e-mail account for the panel to communicate with anyone who wishes to offer his opinion. He stressed that participation in the making of the new constitution is the undoubted right of all Egyptians at home and abroad who want to take part in the preparation and the drafting of the 1st Constitution of post-revolution Egypt.

Dr. Katatni suggested that a committee should be set up to organize the work of the Assembly, comprising five members: Dr. Nadia Mustafa (university professor), Dr. Mohamed Beltagy (Freedom and Justice party leader), Dr. Wahid Abdel Meguid, Dr. Dr. Mo’taz Billah Abdel-Fattah and Dr. Talat Marzouk.

Earlier, Dr. Saad Katatni, Speaker of the People’s Assembly, had been elected Chairman of the Constituent Assembly to draw up the new constitution. He won by an almost unanimous majority. The voters taking part were 72 members of the Constituent Assembly. Dr. Katatni received 71 votes, after the abstention of Dr. Mo’taz Abdel Fattah from voting.