Egyptian activists attend conference in Washington

Bothaina Kamel

By MENA - Translated by HEBA HABIB

A number of Egyptian activists in attended a conference in Washington organized and funded by Egyptian-American organizations Friday to discuss the latest developments in Egypt and the prospect for the transfer of power to a civilian authority.

The conference called for Egypt's political forces to unite and cast aside their differences to achieve the objectives of the January 25 Revolution.

The conference opened Friday night and ends Sunday. Several organizations participated, including the Egyptian Society for Change, We are All Khaled Said, and the April 6 Youth Movement.

Participants discussed issues of citizenship and the right of Egyptians abroad to vote, as well as Egypt’s social and economic challenges.

The head of the conference, Adel Kubi, said that "Wherever they are, whether in Washington or Suez, Egyptians must contribute to what is happening in Egypt and have a say."

He said the aim of the conference is to assemble the largest possible number of Egyptians under one umbrella in a single network.

A number of the Presidential election candidates in the elections were scheduled to display their programs to Egyptian Americans, but most excused themselves from attending.

Bothaina Kamel and Medhat Khafagy attended, criticizing those who excused themselves as "not being serious."

Conference organizers said they offer practical solutions to Egypt’s problems.