Egypt panel ‘to study constitutional reform’

CAIRO - Egypt’s government and opposition have reportedly agreed to set up a committee to study constitutional reform to put the country on a path toward greater democracy.

According to the BBC, it was also agreed to reject foreign interference and aim for a peaceful transition from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to a new democratic regime.

The move follows talks between Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman and key opposition members, including the Muslim Brotherhood.

It was the first time the government and the Brotherhood have held talks.

According to reports, other delegates attending the discussions included members of secular opposition parties, independent legal experts, the representative of the opposition, Mohamed El Baradei, and business tycoon Naguib Sawiris.

The talks took place even as mass demonstrations continued for a 13th day to press for Mubarak’s ouster.

The Muslim Brotherhood had earlier said in a statement that it would meet with Suleiman to press its “legitimate and just demands”.

Mubarak has said that he would not run for the presidency again in elections slated for September, but has insisted he will serve out the remaining seven months of his current term to supervise a peaceful transfer of power.

Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Assam el-Aryan said his party won’t contest the next election, but it will help with the transition of power. (ANI)