Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, president of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), on Wednesday issued a decree to form an advisory council of 35 members.
A military source told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the council would incorporate various political forces and revolutionary youth coalitions, and would be empowered to implement decisions, as long as they do not contradict the military’s policies or threaten national security.
“The SCAF wants it to be an effective council,” said the source, adding that council members already met with Chief of Staff Sami Anan and discussed US military and economic aid protocols.
“The armed forces may decline the aid,” the source said.
The source also explained that the advisory council could be turned into a national defense council by adding military personnel to it. “In that case, it would be able to make major decisions,” he said, adding that the council would continue to exist even after the election of a new president.
He added that the advisory council may also be tasked with forming the committee to write the new constitution.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
