President Mohamed Morsy began a national dialogue with various political forces early on Monday evening.
Morsy issued the invitation to the dialogue during a televised speech on Sunday that addressed the unrest sweeping the nation.
Several political figures and party leaders attended, including Ayman Nour, head of the Ghad al-Thawra party; Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh, head of the Strong Egypt Party, Saad al-Katatny, head of the Freedom and Justice Party; and Youness Makhyoun, head of the Salafi Nour Party.
Other participants included Mohamed Selim al-Awa, Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat, Hatem Azzam and Nasr Abdel Salam.
Members of the National Salvation Front refused to attend, saying they doubted the seriousness of the conversation.
The dialogue is intended to address the current political unrest, and also discuss how such dialogues should be conducted.
Edited translation from MENA
