Egypt's Al-Azhar issues document to support democracy in region (Photo: Al-Masry Al-Youm)

Al-Azhar has issued a document in support of democratic transformation in the Arab region, state-run news agency MENA reported on Monday.

In September Al-Azhar said it was preparing a document presenting its vision for reforming Arab countries and achieving democracy on the basis of social justice and the equal distribution of wealth.

Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayyeb said in a statement Monday that the document was put together by Al-Azhar scholars and other intellectuals in support of Arab people's desire for reform and development.

The document upholds the right of people to reform their societies in accordance with constitutional principles and Islamic Sharia.

Tayyeb said it also urges Arab regimes to consider the ambitions of their people, pursue economic reform, establish democracy, and harness science and technology to fight backwardness.

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