All citizens, equal before law

Prime Minister Atef Ebeid highlighted a number of principles governing the relation between the government and the Egyptian press and media organizations.

At a meeting with editors-in-chief of the Egyptian newspapers , Ebeid said the government welcomes with an open mind and sincere respect all proposals presented by the press.

"Among these principles is the Government's keenness on making all information for the press available," said the Prime Minister, reiterating the government`s readiness to offer any assistance sought by these Organizations.

Among these principles, Ebeid named the government's commitment to cooperate with the press and media in presenting issues to the citizens, who would judge the Government's performance.

Premier Ebeid said that the government's program, set before the People's Assembly, addresses the social and economic aspects of development. According to Ebeid, the government has mapped out 25 programs in the social domains all viable for implementation.

It also prepared 30 economic programs covering all aspects, capitalizing on the momentum gained under President Hosni Mubarak and the achievements of former governments.

Answering questions of the editors-in-chief, Ebeid asserted that no one is above the law, alluding to recent events in Al-Kosheh. He indicated that the outcome of ongoing investigations will be available within a week and that there are principles governing the Government's action in this respect, i.e., the indispensability of the state's presence and role as the protector against any aggressor.

"The government will not tolerate any violation of legitimacy whoever the culprit might be," Ebeid declared, noting that all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of their affiliations.

Regarding the mammoth projects including Toshka, Sinai development and the industrial zones of east of Port Said and north of Suez Gulf, Ebeid said that these projects were founded to continue and survive. He asserted that the coming elections would be fair, adding that the government will pass a draft bill to the People's Assembly on full judicial supervision over sub-branch electoral stations.

The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Information, Justice and Interior as well as the Minister of the People's Assembly Affairs.