Egypt talks consensus

Participants in talks between the Egyptian government and several opposition groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, has agreed to form a constitutional reform committee, a government official said.

Government spokesman Magdi Radi said the delegates agreed on "the formation of a committee, that will include the judiciary and a number of political figures, to study and propose constitutional amendments and required legislative amendments ... by the first week of March."

The talks between the government and the opposition involve some, but not all, of the groups that have taken part in nearly two weeks of unprecedented demonstrations calling for President Hosni Mubarak's ousting.

It was the first time that the government has engaged in official talks with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned.

Radi said participants in the talks reached "consensus" on a statement that called for the convening of a constitutional reform panel and agreed to "a peaceful transition of power based on the constitution."

In the statement it is proposed that the an office be established that would deal with complaints about political prisoners, restrictions on the media and communications, and "any foreign interference in Egyptian affairs".

The statement calls for the lifting of Egypt's much-criticised emergency law, "depending on the security situation".

The talks were held after a raft of government concessions aimed at placating protesters, who have called for the immediate ousting of Mubarak.

Several of the groups involved in the 13 days of demonstrations have refused to participate in talks with the regime until Mubarak steps down.

He has said he will not contest elections scheduled for September, but has shown no intention of stepping down before the vote.

Opposition parties have said they will not meet any government representatives before Mubarak leaves power.

The brotherhood said on Saturday that it had the right to abandon talks if they were not fruitful.

Rashad Bayoumi, a senior brotherhood member, spoke of "a positive atmosphere" in a television interview.

Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman urged the brotherhood last week to join the talks, calling it ''a valuable opportunity" for the group.

On Saturday, Suleiman met prominent independent and mainstream opposition figures to consider options for a transition of power.

The group, calling itself "The Council of Wise Men", has proposed a compromise whereby Mubarak signs over his powers to Suleiman but remains in office in a ceremonial capacity.

The opposition want constitutional changes that guarantee free and fair elections.