Egypt's Morsi calls for dialogue

Egypt's Islamist president has invited political forces to join him in a dialogue to find ways to ensure the "integrity and transparency" of upcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking in a television interview, Mohammed Morsi also rejected opposition charges that the elections he called for April were ill timed given the wave of unrest roiling the country.

"I see that the climate is very agreeable for an election," he said.

Mr Morsi used the interview, recorded yesterday but aired early today over five hours behind schedule, to try and improve his standing nearly eight months into his four-year term.

He repeatedly declared that he was a "president for all Egyptians," claimed he had no quarrel with any of the nation's political forces and reasserted his respect and confidence in the military.

AP