Morsi sets Dec. 15 as date for referendum on new Egyptian constitution

Washington, Dec. 2 (ANI): Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi called on Saturday for a referendum in two weeks on a disputed draft constitution.

Morsi set the date as December 15 in a nationally televised speech to the Islamist-led assembly that hurriedly approved the draft charter amid widening opposition from secular and Christian groups.

"After receiving this draft constitution, and out of keenness to build the nation's institutions without delay or stalling, I will issue today the call for a public referendum on this draft charter on Saturday, Dec. 15," Fox news quoted Morsi, as saying.

"I pray to God and hope that it will be a new day of democracy in Egypt," he added.

Egypt's Constitutional Court was due to rule Sunday on whether to dissolve the panel, the report said. (ANI)