Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif said the constitutional amendments presented by President Hosni Mubarak recently to the People's Assembly for ratification are aimed at realizing balance between the National Democratic Party and the opposition parties.

In an interview with the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper of Thursday, Nazif contended that there are general principles that govern these amendments, mainly the prevention of forming parties on religious bases.

Within the framework of the proposed amendments, the government will be having bigger responsibilities before the Parliament, he said.

The Parliament has the right to withdraw confidence without a referendum, he said.

The 50% workers and farmers percentage in the municipal councils will be maintained, he said, pointing out that it symbolizes social justice.

He referred to facilitating investment, saying it is still one of the main targets of the Egyptian government. He pointed out to the issuing of new laws whereby customs and taxes have been reduced.

Premier Nazif further denied any links between the constitutional amendments and a new cabinet reshuffle.