CAIRO: Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif addressed the People s Assembly Tuesday in his governor s statement to report the progress and reforms the government has achieved in its first year following the presidential elections.
According to him, the government has completely achieved all of the goals outlined in President Mubarak s election campaign.
He raised issues that had caused controversy and led to criticism of the government in recent months.
As a reference to the Mansoura incident, in which residents fell ill after drinking contaminated water, Nazif spoke of transforming water pipes and the sewage system to ensure cleanliness and safe use.
He praised the independence of the Egyptian judiciary, freedom of the press, and respect for the privacy of individuals.
Nazif expressed his deepest tribute to the Egyptian armed forces and police for their role in achieving that sense of security.
Egypt is putting law above all in a justified way, said the PM.
He also said that a wider margin would be created for the representation of political parties, women and local councils.
Nazif emphasized government support for peasants and laborers, acknowledging the great heights we have reached regarding agricultural exports. Upper Egypt is to receive LE 1 billion towards improving infrastructure.
As evidence of economic progress, Nazif told parliamentarians earlier in the day that inflation was declining and would achieve the Central Bank s target of inflation at 6 to 8 percent a year.
Youth and culture were also highlighted. To make use of Egypt s youth potential Nazif announced hopes to establish more than 500 new technological clubs, as well as to have affordable computers available to every family and university student in Egypt s major cities. In the deprived rural areas, he announced a plan to create 360 youth centers.
Nazif further praised the Ministry of Culture s recent endeavors, claiming that they are providing books to students at affordable prices, and are planning translations of more than 500 texts.
With regards to museums, Egypt s glories will be displayed through the Grand Egyptian Museum, a new building for documenting Egypt s cultural heritage, and a new Naguib Mahfouz museum.
Nazif also extolled Egypt s role in global diplomacy, including efforts in Sudan, Lebanon, and Palestine.
