CAIRO: Reform is the name of the game in today's Egypt. Over the past year, the country has witnessed the sprouting of new groups all calling for democratic reforms.

On Tuesday, the latest of such groups was announced - Alliance for Democracy and Reform (ADR). It comprises three human rights non-governmental organisations.

Representatives of the Arab Centre for the Independence of Judiciary and the Legal Profession, the Group of Democratic Development and the Human Rights Association for the Assistance of Prisoners held a news conference to outline their reform strategy.

The ADR, as with other parties and groups calling for reform, want the emergency laws, enforced since 1981, to be abolished through cooperation between the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and other groups.

According to lawyer Negad al-Borai, ADR aims "to prepare for a peaceful transition of rule in light of the political and economic crisis in the country." "Many are calling for change. Change means a revolution which the country cannot handle. We need to reform gradually toward a smooth transition," al-Borai told reporters.

In private, al-Borai admits the ADR is "another number added to a series of many reform initiatives announced in Egypt". "If we just add to the pressure, then we have done something," al- Borai said. Mubarak and his large security services maintain a tight hold on power.

Since the United States announced a reform initiative in the Middle East, Mubarak has been pressed to undertake a transition to democracy in Egypt. During the NDP convention in September, Mubarak and his son promised sweeping reforms but neither mentioned the emergency law.

Instead, Gamal focused on plans to improve health care, public transportation and education and to restructure the customs and taxation regimes. "The ruling party has refused to give a timetable for reform. We are proposing one," said Nasser Amine, another ADR member.

"The president is an important player in Egypt's political life but he is not the only one," said al-Borai. Activists such as al-Borai have recently become bolder about making statements that are slightly critical of the president.

Hisham Kaseem, editor-in-chief of the daily al-Masry al-Youm, believes the US pressure for reform has provided a safety net for Egyptian activists following decades of iron rule. -Reuters