After a marathon of hot debates, the People's Assembly yesterday17/1/2007 approved in principle the constitutional amendments suggested by the President of the Republic last month.

The amendments were approved by 316 members. Dr. Ahmed Fathi Sorour, the People's Assembly Speaker said he would inform the President of the People's Assembly's decision.

The People's Assembly had held five consecutive sessions for discussing these amendments.

These sessions were attended by 200 members, including 150 from the NDP, 6 from al-Wafd and al-Tagammu, and 44 from independents including Moslem Brotherhood members.

Members of the majority were unanimous on that constitutional amendments .

On his part, Dr. Edward Ghali al-Zahabi, the chairman of the Human Rights Committee said Copts do not fear Islam but the minority wants Egypt not to return to the back and thus misuse Islamic religion.

He said the most important aspects of amendment are deepening the principle of citizenship.

Meantime, the majority asserted that amendments will reinforce the role of the parliament in bringing the government to account, deepening the principle of citizenship, non discrimination between citizens, revoking the state of emergency by introducing anti-terror law and increasing women representation in parliament.

On the other side, the members of al-Wafd Party said amendments represent imposition of custodianship on the Egyptian people.

Members of the religious current said amendments do not fulfill the hopes of citizens.

Deputy Speaker of the People's Assembly Dr Zeinab Radwan said the amendments were "unprecedented".

The constitution amendment allows for further balance among authorities, boosts citizens' rights and freedoms, supports party life and judicial authority and secures a place for women in parliament, Dr Radwan stated.

But the proposed amendments say nothing about Article 77, which determines the length of presidential term.

Dr. Radwan saw in this an assertion of democratic practice, in terms of giving citizens complete freedom in choosing their" leader under amended Article 76 on multiple presidential candidates.

The people have already been allowed to elect their President from a pool of Presidential hopefuls, under 76, she said, noting that it was the right of voters to re-elect the president if they saw in that a continuation of his successful era.

About the anti-terror law, Dr. Radwan said the law would ensure that no individuals abused the freedom enshrined under the constitution by infringing on others liberties.

MPs: Amendements are a new chapter in Egypt's history

Members of the People's Assembly addressed thanks to President Mubarak for the amendments which aim at enhancing democracy.

They said these amendments would enhance the confidence of investors in the Egyptian economy.

They said amendments represent a new white chapter in Egypt's political history and support public freedoms.

The final report of the legislative committee on constitutional amendments will be forwarded to the parliament by March 17.