USA Africa Dialogue Series - Morsy hails a 'new era' for Egypt

Other voices from Egypt::

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxBB7F1_it4

CNN

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/29/world/meast/egypt-morsy/

Morsy hails a 'new era' for Egypt
By Melissa Gray , CNN
December 29, 2012 -- Updated 1730 GMT (0130 HKT)

CNN.com

Morsy hails a 'new era' for Egypt

By Melissa Gray , CNN

December 29, 2012 -- Updated 1730 GMT (0130 HKT)

CNN.com

(CNN) -- Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy declared a "new era" for the
country Saturday, saying the new constitution guarantees equality
under the law and puts power in the hands of lawmakers, not the
president.

He spoke three days after signing the controversial constitution into
law. Despite criticism of the document, more than 63% of Egyptian
voters approved it after two rounds of voting.

"There is no more tyranny, discrimination or absence of social
justice," Morsy said in a speech before members of the upper house of
parliament, heads of the country's political parties, dignitaries of
Egyptian society and diplomats.

"All citizens -- no matter which class they come from, or what they
believe in, or what political position they have -- they are all equal
before the law and under this constitution. Egypt cannot be built by
some of its citizens while others are left behind. Egypt is for all
Egyptians. Freedom is for all its citizens, with no exception. And
democracy is the result of everyone's effort after the success of the
January 25th revolution."

Adopting the new constitution ends a transitional period that Morsy
said lasted "a lot longer than necessary."

"I stress to all Egyptians that I will strengthen the authority of the
judicial branch and will guarantee its independence," he said. "The
modern state cannot operate either without free media, away from the
dominance of the executive power and away from those who have only
vested interest in their own affairs, also away from corrupt sources
of financing."

The constitution puts parliament fully in charge of all legislative
powers, Morsy said. He pointed out that voters, not the president,
gave them that authority, and he urged lawmakers to work together with
all political parties and civil institutions.

Critics said the constitution was put to a vote too quickly. Liberals,
Christians and other minority groups said that they felt excluded from
the Islamist-dominated assembly that drafted it and that the wording
did not include their voices.

Opposition members said the constitution uses vague language and will
not protect the rights Egyptians fought for in last year's revolution,
which ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

Morsy and his supporters say the constitution protects personal
rights, especially with its provisions on the handling of detainees in
the judicial system, which made capricious use of its powers under the
former government.

The president dedicated most of his 40-minute speech to the economy,
saying that Egypt is a modern state and the economy must be based on
effective and transparent policies. He said Egypt will have a strong
economic comeback.

Inflation reached is lowest point in the past two months, he said, and
he discounted rumors that Egyptian banks will collapse.

Morsy said tourism, a major source of income for Egypt that has
dropped sharply since the revolution, is on the rise. He said there
were 4 million tourists in the past few months, double the number over
a period of six months last year.

The president touched on foreign policy, stressing a noninterference
policy in other nations' affairs and a focus on strengthening foreign
ties. He also said Egypt supports the Syrian revolution and will work
for Arab and international support to replace the current Syrian
regime.

CNN's Amir Ahmed contributed to this report.

© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights
Reserved.



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