'We have scrapped our proposal'

Opposition figure and member of the National Salvation Front [NSF] Amr Hamzawi has told Arabstoday that the opposition bloc has scrapped its proposed “alternate draft constitution” after the government proceeded with the first stage of the referendum on the draft constitution. Also rejecting the controversial invitation extended by the members of the Islamist-dominated Constituent Assembly ahead of yesterday’s final-stage vote on the draft charter, Hamzawi told Arabstoday the assembly had no official role enabling it to make such a move. He explained that, upon delivering the draft constitution to President Mohammed Morsi, the panel became legally void. Hamzawi added that the opposition bloc has discussed legal measures, including lodging official complaints with the Public Prosecutor. He described the invitation itself as “pointless” in light of the fact the first stage of the referendum had already been conducted in 10 provinces and that the assembly called the meeting for the eve of the second and final poll. He further criticised the Constituent Assembly for attempting to hold the dialogue session with members of the opposition which he said it had previously branded as “traitors and agents bankrolled by foreign forces.” He asked “How can this debate take place without an apology or moral restitution?