Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister Yehia al-Gamal alleged attempts to spoil a national conference called for by the cabinet and ruling military council.
The conference's first session, held on Saturday, was attended by Essam Sharaf, Egypt's Interim Prime Minister, and Mamdouh Shahin, member at the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.
The conference seeks to reach an accord over the basic outlines of a new constitution.
Participating in the event were representatives of social and political groups. The Muslim Brotherhood and revolutionary youth groups failed to appear.
The conference, expected to take place within two months, will submit recommendations to a parliamentary panel that will create the country's new constitution.
On Thursday, Gamal decided to adjourn the second session of conference following wrangles among a number of attendants.
During the session, Ahmed al-Fadali, chairman of the Muslim Youth Association, said that Friday's protests represent an attempt to “outbid” the military. His comments did not appeal to the conference attendees. Ensuing squabbles prompted Gamal to adjourn the session, saying that “some people want to spoil the conference.”
Translated from the Arabic Edition
