Egypt Fêtes Revolution Anniversary

Egyptians are set to continue with the country's democratic process after the recent adoption of a new constitution. Speaking yesterday, January 23, 2014, in Yaounde at an event to mark the third anniversary of the 2011 Revolution that saw the downfall of the Hosni Mubarak regime, Ambassador Sherif Salah Eldin Elleithy, said it was natural for it to face a lot of challenges.

He said the challenges were being tackled with the ongoing implementation of the country's new political road map. The schedule includes the adoption of a new constitution, the holding of presidential and parliamentary polls, creating conditions for integrated political life and encouraging foreign investments as well as reviving tourism. The schedule will be completed this year with "strong elected institutions that will include new currents and factions working for the interest of Egypt and its citizens," the diplomat assured.

The revolution, Ambassador Sherif Salah Eldin Elleithy recalled, "gave the Egyptian people great hopes with the democratic transition and election of civil power expressing the nation's will." Under the new dispensation, the country's foreign policy now focuses on "the multiple dimensions of the personality of Egypt: the Arab, African and Islamic identities that have direct impact on Egypt's relations with regional and international organisations." In this light, Egypt aims at maximising its role to achieve peace and international stability.

According to the Ambassador, one of the major challenges facing his country is economic recovery. He however assured that "in spite of the difficulties that face the Egyptian economy, all observers inside and outside the country expect it to return to growth rates, taking into consideration that the Egyptian economy has the components that can enable it overcome present challenges."

The event also featured a photo exhibition of the revolution, with focus on the different phases such as its peaceful nature, the solidarity displayed by Moslems and Christians on one hand, and between the military and civilians. Other themes highlighted were the participation of all age groups in the revolt and its popular nature, with pictures from Egyptian cities other than the capital, Cairo.