Egypt's ruling military council today announced its plans to hold several meetings with revolution youth coalitions this week, but not all groups plan to participate.
On Tuesday, the April 6 Youth Movement announced its intent to boycott the meetings. Most secular youth groups have also decided not to participate.
“We have reservations over this call specifically, which prevents us from participation,” the movement explained in a statement posted on the internet.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) on Monday called for the meeting, following rallies staged on Friday in Tahrir Square that demanded trials for former President Hosni Mubarak's regime.
In a message posted on Facebook, it said revolution youth approved of its call, so it decided to multiple meetings with youth.
But the April 6 Youth Movement said it feared former members of the disbanded National Democratic Party (NDP) would participate in the meetings.
“We demand from the council announcing names of the participants so as to be clear of any of the NDP elements,” the statement added.
The movement criticized the call made by the military council for not declaring a clear agenda or details of issues that will be discussed during the meeting.
However, the group expressed appreciation toward the SCAF and considered it a step taken to communicate with youth and involve them in the decision-making process.
“We don’t refuse a dialogue among the two, but we’re calling for permanent dialogue between the council and the youth groups,” the movement added.
The political forces participating in Friday's demonstrations in Tahrir Square had demanded to be included in the decision-making process, as well as the postponement of parliamentary elections and the preparation of a new constitution.
The Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi groups boycotted Friday demonstration, describing it as being "against the people" and organized by "infidels, atheists and liberals."
Translated from the Arabic Edition
