All sectors and minorities in Egyptian society are represented in the constituent assembly which will write the new constitution, said Ahmed Fahmy, Shura Council Speaker and member of the Freedom and Justice Party.
Fahmy’s remarks came during a meeting on Monday with an American congressional delegation headed by David Dreier, a member of the US House of Representatives from California, which was attended by US Ambassador Anne Patterson.
When asked about the rumors concerning the withdrawal of some constituent assembly members, Fahmy said he only received withdrawal requests from two or three members. He went onto say that the demands made by some parties for representation in the assembly equal to that of the majority party are undemocratic.
A number of assembly members representing liberals, in addition to representatives of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Al-Azhar and the Coptic Church had withdrawn from the 100-member assembly. The Islamist-majority Parliament formed the assembly, which is dominated by Islamists.
The withdrawing members expressed their opposition to the makeup of the assembly, which they said did not take into account all segments of Egyptian society.
Concerning Egyptian-American relations, Fahmy said they must be based on justice not power, as the manifestations of power are different and variable.
He added that many Egyptians had reservations regarding American aid if it is accompanied by pressure on Egyptian government policies. He said he hoped for a genuinely reciprocal economic partnership.
Meanwhile, Dreier expressed his appreciation for the changes that have taken place in Egypt as well as the Egyptian people's ability to bring about these changes. Dreier welcomed the role of the new Parliament, which represents all segments of society, stressing the importance that it not be allowed to fall under presidential or executive authority control.
Dreier went on to say he hoped for more parliamentary cooperation between the two countries and that exchange will strengthen democracy and human rights. He said that the United States believes that partnership with Egypt in all fields is a strategic partnership.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
