Egypt's ruling party promised new political reforms as the son of the aging president stepped further into the limelight on Tuesday, amid deep skepticism that this top US ally will move ahead with greater democracy.
Opponents say that the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) will do nothing to bring real change -- and that the three-day party gathering really aims to pave the way for President Hosni Mubarak's son, Gamal Mubarak, to step in after his father's term ends in 2011.
As the NDP opened the conference, a session was held in the trial of jailed opposition figure Ayman Nour -- whose prosecution has raised complaints from the US.
Nour, the runner-up to Hosni Mubarak in last year's presidential election, is already serving a five-year sentence for forgery -- a case he claims was trumped up to remove him from politics. In the new trial, he is charged with assaulting a Mubarak supporter during the polls.
The Bush administration has called greater democracy in the Middle East a top priority and even suggested Egypt could be a leader for reform. But critics say the US has backed off pressuring Cairo -- more concerned with keeping its help in the region's numerous crises, including Iraq, Lebanon and Iran, than pushing to loosen Mubarak's 25-year authoritarian rule.
Mubarak, 78, was not present the opening day of the conference, but is scheduled to attend the final day.
In a statesmanlike turn, Gamal Mubarak -- the NDP's deputy secretary-general -- addressed delegates for nearly an hour, recounting the party's achievements and vowing to push ahead with reform.
"We will not hesitate to take the tough decisions or ... monopolize the search for solutions," he told the 2,800 party delegates.
He also appeared to establish his own credentials as a serious politician -- in part through distancing himself from the US, which is seen as supporting the younger Mubarak and provides Egypt with a hefty annual aid package.
He proposed that Egypt explore developing nuclear power -- a surprise call in a country that has largely remained on the sidelines throughout international criticism of Iran's nuclear program.
"The whole world is looking at alternative energy -- so should Egypt -- including nuclear," he said.
He also criticized the US administration's ideas for the region, saying, "We will not accept ideas about a greater Middle East or a new Middle East ... Egypt is a big country and plays a leading role and will continue to do that."
During a closed session, Gamal Mubarak rejected the suggestion that the party was not working with the opposition on bringing democracy.
"How dare they accuse us of discussing reform behind closed doors. The party will not be put on the defensive," he said.
Last week, US President George W. Bush criticized the slow pace of reform in Egypt. But he also gave what some saw as a tacit praise of 42-year-old Gamal Mubarak, pointing to "young reformers" in the Egyptian government who are his allies.
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