Morsi decree temporary, says Egypt presidency

The Egyptian presidency said on Sunday it was committed to engaging all political forces to reach common ground on the Constitution and stressed the temporary nature of a decree expanding President Mohamed Morsi's powers.

"This declaration is deemed necessary in order to hold accountable those responsible for the corruption as well as other crimes during the previous regime and the transitional period," the presidency said in a statement.

Facing a storm of protest from judges and political opponents who accuse Morsi of turning into a new dictator, the presidency said the decree was "not meant to concentrate powers," but to devolve them. "It aimed to avoid the politicisation of the judiciary," the statement said.

"It also aimed to abort any attempt to dissolve either the body writing Egypt's Constitution or the Upper House of Parliament, both of them dominated by Islamists allied to Morsi," the statement added.

"The presidency stresses its firm commitment to engage all political forces in the inclusive democratic dialogue to reach a common ground and bridge the gap in order to reach a national consensus on the Constitution," it added.

ALSO READ

Nawaz Sharif calls for warmer ties with India

At least 18 killed in twin blasts targeting election campaigns

Over 37 killed in Bangla violence

Agent in America raises funds for Imran's party, sends over $7 lakh