At a historic session attended by People's Assembly members from different political backgrounds and parties, the people's Assembly Tuesday 16/1/2007launched debates on the constitutional amendments called by President Mubarak recently.

The parliament will hold today two sessions for discussing a report by the general committee on President Mubarak's demand for amending 34 articles of the constitution. The report will be voted by name.

Al-Wafd party has agreed in principle on these amendments which were rejected by Al-Tagammu party.

Some of the independent members expressed their support for amendments whereas others rejected them.

Dr. Mohamed Saad al-Katatny, the representative of the prohibited Moslem Brotherhood group expressed the group's objection to these amendments.

The parliamentarians, who expressed support for the principle of amendment, said these amendments represent an important qualitative change in the Egyptian constitutional system.

They expressed their confidence that these amendments emanated from President Mubarak's keenness on securing, the democratic practice which supports the political reform march.

Addressing the session, Dr. Ahmed Fathi Sorour, the People's Assembly speaker read the report of the general committee saying the articles on freedoms and rights will not be touched adding the parliament will not adopt any legislation that could confiscate freedoms even if it is the anti-terror law.

The People's Assembly speaker said the amendment of the fifth article of the constitution underlines the role of the parties in the political system, adding the amendment prohibits the establishment of parties on religious background.

He said the amendment of articles 63 and 94 will allow legislators to select the electoral system which guarantees representation of all parties in the People's Assembly.

On his part, Mahmoud Abaza, the leader of Al-Wafd party said he agrees in principle on amendments adding that he would take part in discussing these articles.

Kamal Ahmed the representative of the independents said he agrees in principle on amendments whereas some independents rejected them.

Mohamed Abdel Aziz Shaaban, the representative of Al-Tagammu party rejected constitutional amendments saying his party was hopeful for the amendment of the constitution as whole.

On her part, Dr. Amal Osman, the Chairperson of Legislative Committee said these amendments puts emphasis on citizenship, equality and guaranteeing human rights.

She said there is no need for amending article No. 77 as requested by some members as fixing the presidential terms is no longer relevant in view of the amendment of article No. 76 which provides for the selection of the president from among many candidates.

Meantime, Dr. Zakaria Azmi, called for approving these amendments as they strike balance between legislative and executive authorities, support the judicial authority and safeguards the homeland against terrorism.