Morsi 'welcomes constructive criticism'

CAIRO, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi told journalists they have never been freer to write what they want, including criticism of him.

Morsi met with a delegation from the Arab Journalists Union Thursday in Cairo, al-Masry al-Youm reported.

During the meeting, union member Karem Mahmoud called on Morsi to drop lawsuits against journalists accused of defaming the president.

Presidential spokesperson Yasser Ali responded by saying Morsi "welcomes constructive criticism" and "is most keen on expressing opinions freely. But a line is drawn when it comes to lodging false accusations against the president.

"Everyone now knows the ceiling on these freedoms," Ali said.