Egyptian President Says Has 'Respect' For Court Ruling On Parliament

Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi

Egypt's new president, Muhammad Morsi, has announced that he will respect a court ruling that overturned his decree ordering the Islamist-dominated parliament to convene.

Morsi said in a written statement that he will seek dialogue with political forces and judicial authorities to resolve the power struggle over parliament.

The statement said Morsi is committed to the rule of law and is keen to "prevent any confrontation."

On July 8, Morsi ordered parliament to convene in defiance of a June court decision to disband the legislature because of flawed elections.

Egypt's powerful military, which has ruled the country since Hosni Mubarak's ouster 17 months ago, has repeatedly backed the court's decisions.

On July 12, Morsi headed to Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip since being sworn in as president on June 30.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters