Egypt's ElBaradei cites 3 'conditions' for opposition talks with presidency

Ahram Online , Monday 8 Apr 2013

Head of liberal Constitution Party says opposition will hold talks with Egypt's elected president if latter meets demands for new government, new prosecutor-general and revamped elections law

Egypt's political opposition is "ready" to hold dialogue with the administration of President Mohamed Morsi on three "conditions," Mohamed ElBaradei, a leading figure in the opposition National Salvation Front and founder of the liberal Constitution Party, said Monday.

Speaking at an economy conference organised by Egypt's leftist Popular Current movement, ElBaradei cited the three conditions as follows: appointment of a "neutral and credible" government capable of managing the country; appointment of an independent prosecutor-general; and formation of a new committee tasked with drafting a new elections law.

"We are waiting for President Morsi to understand that time is not on his side, nor on Egypt's side," ElBaradei said, claiming that the opposition was ready to "work with him and with others" for the country's sake.

During his speech at the conference, the party head said that his proposed dialogue with the presidency aimed to amend Egypt's new constitution so as to bring it into line "with human values."

ElBaradei also recommended drawing up a committee tasked with negotiating "reconciliation" deals with absconded Egyptian businessmen according to clear-cut criteria.

In February, the government attempted to entice absconded businessmen – several of whom face corruption charges – back to Egypt by offering to overturn guilty verdicts issued in absentia in return for monetary payouts.

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