Egyptian students demand culture minister go

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Nov 25 (Reuters) Hundreds of female students in headscarves demonstrated in the Egyptian city of Alexandria today to demand the dismissal of Culture Minister Farouk Hosni for his comments on headscarves.

Hosni, an abstract painter known for his liberal views, said in an interview this month he saw the Islamic headscarf worn by most Egyptian women as retrogressive and unattractive.

The Muslim Brotherhood and other political groups have been calling for his resignation since his remarks were first published nine days ago.

At the demonstration in Alexandria, the latest of several across the country, the women said in a statement Hosni's remarks went beyond freedom of expression and amounted to insulting Islam and calling for libertinism.

Members of the ruling National Democratic Party joined the attacks on Hosni this week but parliamentary sources said a compromise solution to the crisis might be found.

Members of parliament will have a chance to question Hosni about his remarks on Dec. 3.

REUTERS KR ND2136