In an interview with the website Khabar Online in late June 2011, Egyptian presidential candidate and former secretary-general of the Arab League 'Amr Moussa expressed support for the establishment of a democratic regime in Egypt and for reform, in particular the redrafting of the constitution. Moussa called on the U.S. to accept the results of Egypt's upcoming elections, whatever they might be, including a victory by the Muslim Brotherhood. He also expressed his support for advancing Egypt's nuclear program for civilian purposes and for renewing ties with all countries, including Iran.
Following are excerpts: [1]
Our Goal Is to Establish a Democratic Regime
"Q: Did you think that [Mubarak's] regime would fall?"
"A: Never. No one thought such an amazing, unprecedented, and extraordinary revolution would take place. It is a revolution of the 21st century, intended to get rid of the remnants of the 20th century. This revolution has generated and is still generating great change in Egypt's views and political consciousness... Ultimately, the revolution will change the manner of administration and rule in the Arab countries as well as their political course... The Egyptian revolution will deeply affect Arab society [as a whole]. It is true that the January 25 Revolution has no defined leader, but it has a broad [support] base, which to a great extent is more important than a leader."
"Q: There is serious concern that political and religious elements will take over the January revolution. Is there room for such concern?"
"A: ...Egypt after January 25 will not be as it was before. Despite the concerns that [certain elements] will take over the revolution and put [it] back where it started or deflect it in other directions, it is clear that there will be no return to the previous regime or to the previous form of rule in Egypt. If we improve the management of [our] affairs and ensure progress toward democracy, transparency, constitutional rule, and comprehensive reform, the revolution will succeed in getting rid of all attempts [to undermine it]."
"Q: So you rule out that there are attempts to take over [the revolution, and] claim that there is no such takeover by deviant political elements?"
"A: I do not rule out [that there are] attempts to take over [the revolution]. In politics, everything is possible. But I am not concerned, because the [entire Egyptian] people revolted and not just part of it. The entire people took [to the streets] and demanded freedom and change. Now, a chance has been created for a young Egypt to set out on a new path, instead of the old, lazy, and weak Egypt, [a chance] to say goodbye to the situation [that existed before the revolution]. This cannot be stopped."
"Q: Some claim that the [movement] which has benefited most from the January 25 Revolution is the Muslim Brotherhood, as manifest in [its] establishment of a political party."
"A: All the political forces have the right to establish parties that will express their views and present their ideas and solutions to Egypt's problems... The people have the right to know what a given group wants, to compare [their] proposed programs, and to assess their [respective] merit and the actual possibilities on which they are based. The goal now is the [creation of] a free, modern, and democratic Egypt. Democracy means that every citizen and every stream has a chance to express themselves, and Egypt will determine its political line in a national debate, based on opinions agreed-upon by democratic means."
We Need a Constitution Drafted by Representatives of All Streams
"Q: In light of the destruction of Egypt's political parties in the era of the previous regime, and the recent collapse of the National [Democratic] Party, it seems that the next parliamentary elections will see the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, since it is the only movement currently present on the street. The Americans have been discussing this at great length."
"A: Egyptian political activity must start with electing a president, and not a parliament. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has so far taken positive steps, such as amending the constitution, calming the situation, and carrying out a comprehensive reshuffle among [Egypt's] officials, but the most important change is the one related to the constitution. The purpose of amending the constitution is to enable the start of a campaign for the presidency and parliament. In my opinion, once the transitional period, administered by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, ends, presidential elections will be held in accordance with the existing constitution, with required minor changes. The president will then work to draft a new constitution by inviting a group including constitutional law experts; representatives from different sectors of Egyptian society; professionals such as engineers, doctors, farmers, and workers; and representatives of women and youth. All of society will participate in the constitution project. Subsequently, the president will convene an elected constituent assembly, made up of 200-250 qualified members, who will review and ratify [the constitution]. If they ratify it, the president will initialize immediate parliamentary elections on the basis of the new constitution."
"Q: After the fall of the [former] regime, a process of reform was initiated. Why do you want a new constitutional reform? Might this not tire the public and spark renewed protests?"
"A: We need to monitor the drafting of the constitution. We are living in the 21st century, and we want a constitution that fits society's needs in this era, a constitution that separates the powers; defines the authority of the president, the government, and parliament; and restricts presidents to two terms in office. In my opinion, every term should last five years, meaning that a president will run the country for a decade, so that we can evaluate progress and achievements on a decade-by-decade basis. It is important to note that the constitution is not [just a list of] articles and sub-articles; at its basis are an approach and an orientation that set up society's ideological framework, define its goals, and regulate its activity.
"Q: Do you have an idea regarding the republic's next president?"
"A: The next president of Egypt, whoever it may be, must serve only one term – of four, five, or six years – in which he will lead reform and change, and set the country on a path of stability. After that, from 2015 onward, we will activate [the law] restricting the president to two terms in office.
"Q: What is the main danger that you sense in holding parliamentary elections before presidential elections?"
"A: There is no real danger. There are varying opinions, but they do not necessarily conflict. We must give the parties sufficient time, because they are not prepared [for the elections]. Democracy, and especially parliament, needs parties that are on a par in terms of their readiness [for elections], so they can compete fairly. This means giving them a chance to garner votes and supporters, and to [nominate] candidates... Now, unlike in the past, we have time [for these preparations]. This will be aided by the presence of a president and the existence of a permanent constitution upon which the election campaign and the presented platforms can rely."
The U.S. Should Acknowledge Any Result, Even if the Muslim Brotherhood Wins
"Q: Will you participate in the presidential election?"
"A: I am prepared to offer my candidacy for president. I see this as a responsibility and a duty. Why shouldn't I [present my candidacy] if the job is available, and if many youth and sectors of Egyptian society are making demands? I am currently making preparations, so that at the right time I will submit my candidacy for president. In the new era, anyone can participate [in the elections]...
"Q: You are aware that the U.S. has reservations regarding your candidacy."
"A: These are not U.S. elections, but Egyptian elections with no foreign interference. I heave heard that the Americans say Moussa is unfit for the job of Egyptian president, but we must not forget that the coming elections will be free and clean, and the U.S. must acknowledge their result, even if the Muslim Brotherhood wins..."
"Q: What are the general lines of your platform?"
"A: You cannot expect me to have a comprehensive elections platform at this point, but I believe that, at the present stage, the Egyptian regime should be presidential rather than parliamentary. We must have an explicit [mechanism] – [to be employed] within a decade from the publication of the new constitution, for example – which will enable a reevaluation of Egypt's form of democracy and the possibility of transition to parliamentary rule. In my opinion, we are currently better off with a presidential regime, so long as the president's authority is clearly and democratically defined. This is a unique period, in which the president must set the country on the right path, and work for its stability.
"At the same time, the president should have a clear strategic view on Egypt's future, which he must present to his countrymen in his campaign platform... that must contain plans of action. The main point is that the president must lead a true change by announcing that this is the stage of experts, and not the stage of cronies, because the cronies [of the previous regime caused] paralysis and were among the reasons for Egypt's deterioration. Therefore, I support formulating a new constitution for Egypt according to the mechanism I proposed, or something similar...
"Even though our school system and universities do not produce the [kind of people] that our job market needs, or even [have] adequate knowledge, [and] though I believe we are dealing with the unfortunate outcome of education mismanagement, it has become clear to me, from talking to [our] youth, that they are strong-willed, determined, and deeply aware. Having failed to receive adequate education, they [sought] supplementary education in English, Chinese, and computers, and enriched themselves [in other fields] beyond their regular education. They are aware of Egypt's true problems. I have gained much from these meetings [with them], and I have realized that the youth can enact change. The state of our youth is much better than we thought. They have commendable capabilities and determination, and we must salute them. With this level of awareness, we can advance and rely on those with knowledge and experience in the present generations, and on the spirit of the revolution."
Economic Policy – A Free Market and Social Equality
"Q: What economic policy should we enact in the next stage?"
"A: ...The overall economic policy should be based on a vision and a plan. We must avoid ineffective activity... or boasting a high growth rate while it goes unnoticed by the average man... There is a flaw in [our] economy and economic policy, and [our] economic analysis is superficial and flawed. The Egyptian economy should proceed along two lines simultaneously: a free market and social justice..."
Egypt's Nuclear Program Should Not Be Delayed
"Q: What about the Egyptian nuclear program?"
"A: I feared that some businessmen would succeed in cancelling Egypt's peaceful nuclear program for reasons that do not need mentioning. In all my roles, and as an Egyptian citizen, I was [always] very adamant and publicly opposed to delaying the program. Praise Allah, an agreement was reached to construct a power plant in Al-Dab'a. I hope this is a significant milestone on the road to a nuclear [program] for peaceful [purposes]."
"Q: Can we withstand foreign pressure?"
"A: Of course, especially since we are talking of a nuclear program for peaceful [purposes], in compliance with IAEA regulations. I know that there is pressure due to conflicting international interests, but I do not understand the automatic submission to them. This depends on our stance and our policy. If our position is firm, and we are determined to complete the project, we can do so, because it is our right according to the NPT, as long as we honor commitments regarding the peaceful usage [of the energy]. The important point is that Egypt's position be reasonable. By the way, we are not starting from scratch. We have several [nuclear] facilities, not just the Anshas reactor, but also an Argentinean reactor that we obtained in the 90s..."
We Must Develop Good Relations with All Countries of the World
"Q: What is your position on international relations?"
"A: We must develop good relations with all countries of the world. In the past, there was a crisis between us and many countries, such as Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and others. On the other hand, we outdid ourselves in [our] relations with some [countries], like Israel, which benefitted from these relations more than we did. We need to achieve a balance in these relations and turn over a new leaf with all countries of the world, including Iran."
[1] Khabar Online (Iran), June 27, 2011.
