On the occasion of the launch of the “Egyptian Popular Dialogue Around the World” initiative on the evening of Sunday, August 7, with the participation of dozens of opposition political figures abroad, as well as representatives of political and social forces and experts from both inside and outside Egypt, the Arab Council expresses:
- Its appreciation for this pioneering initiative, which reflects the awareness of the participating Egyptian opposition elites and their keen concern for the country’s welfare, and their commitment to dialogue as a method to resolve problems and crises, in contrast to the ruling regime’s closure, arrogance, and increasing isolation from the people, as well as the exposure of its deceptive claims regarding organizing a comprehensive national dialogue.
- Its admiration for the political opposition forces’ awareness of the gravity of the stage and the strategic challenges facing the Egyptian state, which threaten its existence, undermine the stability of the general population, and jeopardize its future. The Council considers that this initiative is a critical moment that could establish national consensus on a number of options capable of extricating Egypt from the rapid decline in all fields, for which the ruling regime bears the primary responsibility with its unilateral policies and mismanagement, lacking in justice, sovereignty, transparency, good governance, and the consideration of future generations’ rights.
- Its hope that the dialogue, in its three phases—political-social, economic-financial, and developmental-national security—will succeed in finding solutions to the structural and circumstantial crises Egypt is facing, and in outlining alternative strategic directions and a vision for Egypt’s future that can lead to the country’s rapid revival. This will open the door quickly for real change in Egypt, supported by a broad political and popular meeting around structural and institutional reform programs built by Egyptian hands and will, rather than being imposed from the outside or by domestic ruling lobbies.
- Its conviction that this initiative will be a foundational event, not only in Egypt but across the Arab region, offering a distinguished model of participatory democracy reflecting the popular will, in light of the deliberate disruption of representative democracy, the intentional marginalization of the country’s competencies and potential, and the complete subjugation to foreign wills.
The Egyptian Popular Dialogue will be Egypt’s gateway to a better future.
On behalf of the Arab Council
President: Mohamed Moncef Marzouki
