Newly-appointed Prime Minister Essam Sharaf met with 15 members of the coalition of the revolution's youth Thursday night to present their demands.
Sharaf, who was tasked with forming a new government after Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq left office Thursday, said he would meet with the youth coalition repeatedly during the transition phase.
Amr Salah, a member of the youth coaliton, says that Sharaf spent most of the 15-minute meeting listening to the demands of the youth and their vision for the country. The youth stressed the importance of a quick response to the rest of the revolution’s demands, most importantly the dissolution of the state security apparatus and the release of political activists.
Members also asked Sharaf to start a dialogue with civil society, human rights organizations and independent labor syndicates, a suggestion that Salah says the prime minister welcomed.
The youth offered their collaboration to help rebuild Egypt, and Sharaf asserted that he would consult with them frequently on decisions.
“[Sharaf] was listening most of the time and he welcomed our ideas, he asserted that he was happy to hear our suggestions and told us that our input will be very important in the coming period," said Salah.
The youth invited Sharaf to attend Friday's protest in Tahrir Square, which will be a celebration of Shafiq’s departure. He hasn’t confirmed his attendance.
Some youth are determined to continue protesting in Tahrir in order to press their other demands, such as the dissolution of the State Security apparatus, the release of political prisoners, the end of military trials and the removal of ministers from the previous regime including ministers of justice, foreign affairs and interior.
Sharaf was appointed prime minister Thursday morning after Shafiq resigned following protests calling for his departure.
