CAIRO: Egypt’s new president decreed on Sunday that the dissolved Islamist-led parliament should reconvene until a new one was elected, reversing a decision by generals who had dismissed the assembly based on a court ruling.
“President Mohammad Mursi ordered the reconvening of sessions of the elected parliament,” according to a presidential statement read out by Mursi’s aide Yasser Ali. An early parliamentary election will be held within 60 days of a new constitution being approved by the nation, Ali said.
The Supreme Constitutional Court ordered the lower house of parliament dissolved last month after finding fault with the election process. The generals, Egypt’s interim rulers until they handed powers to Mursi on June 30, implemented the decision and gave themselves legislative powers.
Meeting with US official
Before the announcement, Mursi met with a senior US official who relayed President Barack Obama's assurance of America’s commitment to a “new partnership” with the Arab nation.
US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns told reporters in Cairo after meeting Mursi that Egyptians could rely on US support as they try to realize their aspirations. Washington, he said, was looking to see a democratically elected parliament in Egypt, a constitution that protects “universal rights” and an inclusive government.
Burns is the highest ranking US official to meet Mursi since he was sworn last month, succeeding Hosni Mubarak, a close US ally whose regime was toppled in a popular uprising last year.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s is also due to travel to Egypt later this month.
