Egypt: Mohammed Mursi Admits Constitution 'Mistakes

Egypt's President Mohammed Mursi has admitted that there were "mistakes" during the run-up to the adoption of the new constitution and urged all political parties to join a national dialogue to resolve the issues.

"There have been mistakes here and there, and I bear responsibility," said Mursi during his first televised address to the nation after the official results.

Mursi said that the referendum established a new republic and called on all the opposition parties to come together to work towards the development of the nation.

"As we set on a new phase moving from the first republic to the second republic, a republic that has this constitution as its strong base. ... I renew my pledge to respect the law and constitution.

"The Egyptian people passed the constitution with nearly a two-thirds majority. But I acknowledge that a respectable proportion chose to say 'no,' and it is their right."

"The coming days will witness, God willing, the launch of new projects ... and a package of incentives for investors to support the Egyptian market and the economy."

In the two-phase referendum, nearly 63.8 percent of the 52 million eligible voters supported the controversial constitution. However, the opposition parties argued that it lacked legitimacy as the voter turnout was as low as 33 percent.

Mursi also said he would work towards making Egypt an attractive investment destination while justifying the decrees which gave him sweeping powers as necessary for the development of the country. The decrees which were issued in November setting off a wave of protests across the country have since been revoked.

Meanwhile, as many as 90 new members appointed by Mursi took the oath of office in the upper house of parliament, the Islamist-dominated Shura Council. The council has been given full legislative powers until the new lower house is formed within two months.