Moussa to run for Egyptian president

Sun Feb 27, 2011

Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa says he will run for presidential election in his homeland Egypt.

Moussa announced his candidacy for the post on Sunday following the announcement of constitutional amendments, the Associated Press reported.

The new constitution limits presidency to two terms and allows for more competition. These elements had been denied under Hosni Mubarak's authoritarian regime for three decades.

The former Egyptian foreign minister enjoys wide popularity in the country, mainly on account of his strong criticism of Israel.

Most Egyptians regard Israel as an enemy despite the 1979 peace treaty between the two sides.

The military council took power after eighteen days of protests culminated in Mubarak's ouster on February 11. Egyptians have since demanded that the army hand over power to a civilian rule elected by people.

Meanwhile, Egypt's ruling military council is reportedly going to call for a referendum on constitutional changes by the end of March.

Military council on Saturday apologized after police used force to break up a recent protest rally in Cairo's Liberation Square.

Thousands of Egyptians gathered in Liberation Square on Friday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, who was appointed by Mubarak toward the end of his rule.

Numerous allegations have been pressed against Mubarak's cronies. Some public sector workers outrageous at managers' corruption and the abuse of office are still on strike.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/167415.html.