parliament speaker: Egypt in need of NGO law

Speaker of House of Representatives Ali Abdel Aal underlined Egypt is in dire need of issuing a law for NGOs, saying the constitution gives citizens the right to establish organizations.

During a session to discuss a draft law for regulating the work of NGOs and civil society organizations, Abdel Aal said article No. 101 of the constitution clearly stipulates the parliament, which was formed following free and transparent elections, has the authority of legislation.

"It is high time to legislate now," he said.

There are parties that seek to make NGOs a means to destabilize the nation, but the proposed bill achieves the required balance between freedom of setting up the organizations and their roles taking into consideration related regulations, according to the speaker. 

The bill has been submitted by head of the Social Solidarity, Family and Physically Challenged Individuals' Affairs Committee Abdel Hadi el Qasabi and 203 lawmakers.

Source: MENA