Zaineldine: "Egypt walks irreversibly towards establishing a neutral democracy"

The Egyptian ambassador to Spain, Ayman Abdulsamie Omar Zaineldine said yesterday during a conference at Casa África on his country's democratic transition that Egypt is walking in a clear and irreversible path to "neutral" democracy that will allow coexistence in the country of all ideologies and sensibilities. The Egyptian diplomat spoke of a situation of practical normality in most of the country and a timetable to recover the democratic pulse is already under way. He explained that presently, fifty experts from across Egyptian society are reviewing the country's Constitution to "to strengthen rights and freedoms in it and make it more neutral regarding ideology." In November, a new version of the Constitution's text shall be submitted to the Egyptian people for approval in a referendum. During the winter the parliamentary elections will be prepared for the spring of next year, if the roadmap that has been set is followed with no setbacks, the country's president will be elected.

Zaineldine contextualised July's military intervention to depose Mohammed Mursi in a process of rapid deterioration towards civil war and due to a clear request of help from an important part of Egyptian society. With regards to the Muslim Brotherhood, he said they can participate in the political process in accordance with established rules, like other political parties. However, he said the organisation itself is going through legal problems due its lack of transparency and alluded to its financing and operations that are shrouded in secrecy. The diplomat stressed that there is no legal uncertainty in his country, where laws and courts continue to work normally, and that the economy works. 

Economic potential
"Egypt has enormous economic potential. There is the possibility of cooperation with Spain in many sectors and particularly in construction and tourism, "said the Ambassador, who assured that Spanish businessmen will find partners in Egypt with successful experiences in the field of tourism. "It will not be like coming to a site and starting from scratch," he said. He also stated that there are clear benefits for those who want to invest in Egypt, where the cost of everything is lower than in Spain, it has "a perfect location" and regional partners and investors who have funds.