Word: mubarak
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Meanwhile, in a bold effort to promote political reconciliation in the country, President Hosni Mubarak, Sadat's successor, last week released 31 prominent figures arrested by Sadat. Among them were five former Cabinet officials and Mohammed Heikal, a former editor of the daily Al Ahram. In an extraordinary gesture, Mubarak had them brought directly from prison to the presidential palace to meet with him. Said Heikal afterward: "This is a great thing. It is the first time a President receives freed political prisoners and talks to them...
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Fuad Mohieddin explained that Mubarak "feels the release of this group will open a new chapter on the political stage." Those released were allowed to resume political activities, and some opposition leaders noted with surprise that they were being granted time on television to discuss their views. That rarely happened during Sadat's reign...
...Nonetheless, the new government will try to tackle the problem again. Economics Minister Meguid says that the state is planning to embark on a food stamp program early next year that will continue subsidies for the poor and middle class but force the rich to pay the full price. Mubarak also said last week that he plans to direct al infitah toward more productive investment and away from the costly consumption of imported luxuries...
...Mubarak takes administration seriously, and he's concentrating on the most important problems...
...speech last week, Mubarak warned that Egypt's very existence was threatened by its deteriorating economy...