CAIRO

The first meeting devoted to transitional justice and national reconciliation kicked off in Cairo on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by representatives of several liberal and secular parties and political forces.

Most Islamist parties and groups, meanwhile, were not present.

Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei and Prime Minister Hazem al-Biblawi both addressed the gathering.

The Muslim Brotherhood on Tuesday declined an invitation to attend the meeting, which was called for by interim President Adly Mansour.

The Brotherhood does not recognize Mansour or the interim government, installed by the army after the July 3 ouster of elected President Mohamed Morsi.

englishnews@aa.com.tr