African Union Urges Dialogue on Egypt Constitution Row
The African Union on Saturday called for dialogue in Egypt over the Islamist-led government plan for a referendum on a draft constitution, which opposition activists oppose..
AU chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma "underscores the imperative for all the parties to engage in dialogue and to work towards an inclusive constitution making process", said an AU statement.
The pan-African body also expressed its "readiness to assist such a process in whatever way would be deemed appropriate".
Rival protests by President Mohammed Morsi's supporters and opponents every night have degenerated into clashes that have left seven people dead and more than 640 injured.
The country is divided over a decree Morsi issued last month placing his decisions beyond judicial review, securing himself expanded powers that have alarmed the opposition.
Morsi has also called on Egyptians to vote in a December 15 referendum on a controversial draft constitution criticized for failing to represent all Egyptians.
Amnesty International has said the draft "raises concerns about Egypt's commitment to human rights treaties," specifically ignoring "the rights of women (and) restricting freedom of expression in the name of religion".
The Muslim Brotherhood, which backed Morsi's run for office in June, and the secular-leaning opposition last year stood side by side in Tahrir Square as they fought to end the 30-year rule of former president Hosni Mubarak.
Since Mubarak's downfall in February 2011 however, the Islamist movement has been accused of monopolizing power.
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