In an interview given to Rosa al-Youssef magazine, Sunday, January 14, 2007, President Mubarak asserted that the constitutional amendments proposed seek to promote democracy, and to uphold public freedoms, and the values of citizenship and equality.

The President further noted that Egyptian law bans the establishment of political parties and proscribes political activities based on religion, race and/or ethnicity.

Mubarak said that over its long history, Egypt has never been subject to sectarian seditions. Its culture and tradition further distance it from religious conflicts which we see now ravishing several neighboring countries.

The President deems it wise to constitutionally proscribe the establishment of political parties based on religion or sect. Mubarak asserted that this does not only apply to a given group but to all those who confuse religion with politics and vice versa.