Hagel, Sisi discuss Egypt’s constitution

US Defence Secretary Hagel Chuck Hagel phoned on Sunday Egyptian Minister of Defence General Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to discuss the Jan.14-15 constitutional referendum in Egypt, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, Pentagon press secretary said. They discussed the importance of the constitutional referendum for Egypt’s overall political transition. Hagel, Kirby added, stressed the importance of a transparent referendum in which all Egyptians have the opportunity to cast their vote freely. The press secretary added Hagel also urged Al-Sisi to ensure that international and domestic observers have full access to the proceedings. Hagel and Al-Sisi reaffirmed their commitment to strong US-Egyptian relations, Kirby said, and the secretary wished General Al-Sisi a blessed Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Source: MENA