In an attempt to defuse the ongoing crisis, Egypt government has set up a committee to recommend constitutional changes that would relax presidential eligibility rules and impose term limits.The decrees of the government were announced on state television by Vice President Omar Suleiman today, who also said that a separate committee has also been created to monitor the implementation of all proposed reforms. The two committees would start working immediately.Vice President has also announced that the findings of another committee would be referred to the attorney-general for prosecution. The committee was ordered earlier to probe into last week’s clashes between the anti Mubarak protestors and pro Mubarak people.During his announcement, Vice President Suleiman also quoted president Mubarak as saying that the youth of Egypt deserve national appreciation and they should not be detained, harassed or denied their freedom of expression.Meanwhile, thousands of protesters remained camped out in the central Tahrir Square demanding resignation of President Mubarak. Banks have re-opened, but the stock exchange will not resume trading until 13 February. Schools remain closed, and a curfew is still in force for ten hours in night in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. President Mubarak has already refused to resign immediately, saying that it would cause chaos. He however promised that he will not stand for re-election in September.Earlier, the government announced to increase the pay and pensions for public-sector workers by 15 percent.
News On AIR | February 8, 2011 4:58 PM
Egypt Govt sets up committee to recommend constitutional changes