Egypt's military leaders keep eye on crisis

CAIRO (CNN) ?

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy is pushing forward with talks Saturday in an attempt to end a political crisis that threatens Egypt's stability, despite calls by the opposition to boycott the meeting.

Morsy's call for talks is an attempt to end a political divide that has spilled into the streets, pitting the president's supporters and opponents against one another and raising questions about his ability to lead the fragile democracy.

Egyptian authorities said at least six people were killed in violent clashes in recent days, while the Muslim Brotherhood -- the group that backs Morsy -- has said eight of its members have been killed.

The crisis erupted in late November when Morsy issued an edict allowing himself to run the country unchecked until a new constitution is drafted, a move that sat uncomfortably with many Egyptians who said it reminded them of ousted dictator Hosni Mubarak's rule.

Morsy said the powers are necessary and temporary until a new constitution is adopted. But that promise has done little to quiet the opposition.

On Saturday, the president said he would be willing to "change and amend clauses" in the controversial constitutional decree, according to Egyptian attorney Montasser el-Zayatm, who attended a meeting with Morsy at the presidential palace. A follow-up meeting was scheduled to hammer out the details, said el-Zayatm.

Also Saturday, state-run Nile TV reported that Prime Minister Hesham Kandil said it is likely a constitutional declaration will be issued in the coming hours.

Anger at Morsy's move led to protesters reoccupying Tahrir Square, the scene of the Arab Spring uprising that saw Mubarak ousted in 2011. Thousands later protested outside the palace, where the opposition clashed with the Muslim Brotherhood.

The anger only grew when the Islamist-dominated Constitutional Assembly pushed through a draft despite the objections of the secular opposition, including some members who walked out in protest. Morsy said a constitutional referendum will be held on December 15. Following the announcement, tens of thousands of protesters -- for and against Morsy -- took to the streets.

A coalition of Egyptian Islamic parties, including the Brotherhood, rejects any postponement in the constitutional referendum, the Islamic Forces Alliance announced Saturday on the Brotherhood website.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/kcra/local/~3/cgiR-F-Ua-A/index.html

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