Egypt: Sheikh of Al-Azhar outlines 12 steps to achieve the demands of the revolution

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb delivered a speech for protesters, marking the anniversary of Egypt's January 25 Revolution.

CAIRO: The Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al-Azhar Sunni authority, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, delivered a speech marking the anniversary of Egypt’s January 25 Revoltuion, calling upon people to preserve unity and integrity as they observe the day.

The speech, which was delivered by Dr. Hassan El Shafei, advisor to the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, stated that the only way to lay the foundation of a constitutional and democratic state is to maintain unity.

He called upon Egypt’s political parties to recognize the spirit of compromise and inclusion as they move ahead to draft the country’s next constitution.

In the speech, the Sheikh outlined 12 steps necessary to achieve the goals of the revolution:

1- Maintain the spirit of Tahrir Square, manifested during the 18 days of the revolution, which has changed the course of Egyptian history and united everyone.

2- Come to a national agreement on the goals of the revolution.

3- Establish a national government that would work without predominance, hegemony, exclusion or bias.

4- End all military trials for civillians and release all political prisoners.

5- Try all those who must be held accountable in speedy and just trials.

6- Fulfill the rights of the families of those who were martyred and injured with treatment, compensation, work and full care.

7- Construct democratic state institutions and complete a transfer of power without delay.

8- Respect the outcome of free and fair elections and foster cooperation between the youth of the revolution and all elected parties.

9- Eliminate repressive policies and corruption and build a strong economy.

10- Return Egypt to its role as a regional power and contribute positively to international politics.

11- Return the army to its role in guarding Egyptian borders and national security.

12- Utilize the energies of the youth of the revolution in addressing underdevelopment, poverty, disease and ignorance, allowing Egypt to progress politically, economically and morally.

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Tags: Ahmed al-Tayeb, Al Azhar, featured, January 25

Section: Egypt, Latest News, Religion