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Morsi Speaks as Egypt Rushes Constitution-Making Process

Mohammed Morsi takes to the state-run TV airwaves to reiterate his defense of his presidential decree that granted him sweeping, unchecked executive powers, Mohannad Sabry reports for Al-Monitor.
Anti-Mursi protesters, who want a peaceful demonstration, join hands as they try to stop clashes and rock-throwing at riot police along a road which leads to the U.S. embassy, near Tahrir Square in Cairo November 29, 2012. The body writing Egypt's new constitution began a session to vote on a final draft on Thursday, a move President Mohamed Mursi's allies in the Muslim Brotherhood hope will help end a crisis prompted by a decree expanding his powers. Seen on the hand is an image of the Egyptian flag. REUTE

CAIRO — In a recorded interview broadcast by several Egyptian state TV channels, President Mohammed Morsi stuck to previous statements Thursday night, defending his moves that granted him sweeping, unchecked executive powers.

“I am very happy that we, Egyptians, are expressing what we feel and demanding what we want. It’s a positive and healthy scene,” Morsi said. “But I regret seeing the remnants of the former regime infiltrating the revolutionaries.”

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