Egypt to have new constitution

Head of the Egyptian 50-member committee on constitutional amendments Amr Moussa announced Monday evening that the committee is working on a totally new constitution. "All previous constitutions, including the suspended one of last year, could serve as points of reference when need be but the committee will develop a new constitution that could meet the aspirations of all Egyptians," MENA news agency quoted Moussa saying. He noted the committee includes people from the broad social spectrum, including trade union, parties, Al-Azhar and the Coptic Church as well as others "unlike the previous 100-member constituent assembly." He affirmed that there is a general tendency in the committee approving that the future parliament should be bi-cameral. The new constitution will enshrine the special status and respect of the armed forces while ensuring social justice for all citizens, he added.