REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, CAIRO - A coalition of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups called on Saturday for a referendum on a draft constitution to go ahead on time on Dec. 15, after liberals who complain that the document is biased demanded a delay in the vote.

The main Islamist coalition "confirmed the need for measures to hold the referendum on time on Dec. 15 without any amendment or delay", a spokesman for the group told a news conference.

Among those who spoke at the news conference, aired live on television, was Khairat al-Shater, who had been the Brotherhood's candidate for president until he was disqualified, a move that thrusted Mohamed Mursi into his place and into office.

Welcome the dialog

Meanwhile, a senior Muslim Brotherhood official said on Saturday a statement by Egypt's military calling for dialogue was a welcome step in helping to end a political crisis that did not take sides.

Abdel Khaleq Al-Sherif, a senior official in the group that propelled President Mohamed Mursi into elected office, said the statement was "balanced", adding it was right for the military "not (to engage) in political maneuvers".

The statement "announces that the army's loyalty is to the people and this is good," he told Reuters.

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