Egyptian President recalls parliament

DHAKA: Egypt`s President Mohammed Mursi has ordered parliament to reconvene, a month after it was dissolved.

Mursi, whose Muslim Brotherhood won most seats, said the chamber should reconvene until a new election is held.

The military had enforced a court order last month dissolving parliament because party members had contested seats reserved for independents.

The military council is meeting for an emergency session to discuss the presidential decree.

The BBC in Cairo says Mursi`s decision may put him on a collision course with military leaders.

The military took over the reins of power last year, after the revolution that ended strongman Hosni Mubarak`s 30-year rule.

The army move was initially welcomed by many of the anti-government protesters, but its presence became increasingly unpopular as critics accused its leaders of wanting to hold on to power.

Muslim Brotherhood officials said parliament could reconvene as early as Monday.

But BBC correspondent says the MPs would first have to get past police and military guards, who are keeping them out of parliament.

Mursi won the country`s first free presidential election last month, and army chiefs formally handed over power on 30 June.

But before his inauguration, the military had granted itself sweeping powers.

BDST: 0033, JUL 9. 2012
Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor