The Shura Council unanimously approved in principle Thursday a report by the Legislative Committee on the proposed constitutional amendments.

Shura Council members said that the amendments will give Egypt's democracy impetus, calling them a limeslight.

Speaker Safwat el-Sherif said that the landmark amendments were the initiative of President Hosni Mubarak, who is keen on enhancing legislative and democratic reforms.

"This is an unprecedented debate in the Shura Council's history. Over three days of marathon talks on the proposed amendments showed an ardent desire to forge ahead with the democratic and legislative reforms championed by President Mubarak," he said.

Prominent member Furkhanda Hassan described the amendments as historic adding "It is an unprecedented step that boosts economic, political and social reforms, "she said.

Ambassador Mohammad Bassiouni, the head of the National Security Committee, said that the amendments came to enhance freedoms and give people a greater say in the decision-making process.

Dr Magi al-Halawani singled out for praise amendments that empowered women politically.

"It makes no sense that Egypt's women, out of a total population of 75 million people, are represented in parliament by only 27 ladies, she said.