aily EWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARYD 14, 2013 N Issue No. 2133 newsTand price le 4.00 EGyPT www.thedailynewsegypt.com Egypt’s Only Daily Independent Newspaper In English

cBe head’s pOlice escOrT killed “The Guidance Office, raTher revivinG The arT Of caricaTures Than The presidenT, rules eGypT” A policeman escorting CBE head Mohamed Saeed’s final products Ramez was shot and killed by Dr. Hani Sari Al-Din shares his resemble oil paintings rather assailants thoughts about the Brotherhood than rough caricature sketches 2 and business in Egypt 7 8

Calls for independent asset National dialogue to be resumed recovery committee amid boycotts EIPR: Independent committee would help ease the process of recovering Egyptian funds smuggled abroad Presidency calls all Political forces to attend next dialogue session, strong egyPt refuses, nsf undecided

By fady salah Mohamed Morsi’s attitude towards (FJP) head Saad Al-Katatni, vice-chair clashes that took place across Egypt initiatives proposed at the sessions of the Muslim Brotherhood Khairat after 25 January, and establishing a The presidency has called on all po- as “neglectful”. El-Shater, in addition to leading fig- mechanism for implementing the re- litical forces to attend an upcoming Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh, party ures at the National Salvation Front sults of the dialogue sessions. dialogue session. In a statement is- head and former presidential candi- (NSF) Mohamed ElBaradei and Ham- Mohamed El-Mohandes, a spokes- sued on Wednesday, the presidency date, attended the previous dialogue deen Sabahi. person for the Strong Egypt party, ac- said it would announce the date of session where he proposed his par- According to the Strong Egypt cused the presidency of ignoring his the next session soon. ty’s initiative. Party, the committee should tackle party’s initiative as well as initiatives The Strong Egypt Party decided to The initiative called for forming a three main issues, namely discuss- proposed by other political groups. boycott all the upcoming national di- committee that would include Aboul ing the formation of a new national alogue sessions, describing President Fotouh, Freedom and Justice Party government, investigating the violent continued on page 2 Foraus political forum Foraus valentin Zellweger, head of the international law division at the swiss Police kill child foreign ministry The boy, 12, was selling sweet potatoes when police shot him By Joel Gulhane “An independent committee would be more stable and would By ahmed aboul enein the street for five years and that his The Egyptian Initiative for Personal make the Egyptian side more cred- father had died one year earlier. When Rights (EIPR) issued a statement on ible,” said Diab. A street vendor accidently shot dead asked by the charity what his wishes Tuesday calling for a new independent The Ministry of Justice was not by police earlier this month was a were, Omar said he wanted to quit his asset recovery committee in order to available for comment. child. job and learn to read and write. ease the process of regaining Egyptian In December the Federal Criminal On 3 February, Omar Salah Om- No to Military Trials for Civilians funds smuggled abroad by former re- Court of Switzerland denied Egypt’s ran, 12, was selling sweet potatoes in (NoMilTrials) movement member gime members. representatives access to the file on a street near Downtown Cairo when Maha Maamoun told Daily News The call came as the Ministry of the criminal case against several for- a policeman shot him in the chest, kill- Egypt that Omar’s body arrived at Ze- Justice proposed a new draft law mer regime members, due to con- ing him. inhom morgue on 3 February and that requesting a new committee to be cerns over human rights violations An interview of Omran recorded his family picked it up the next day. formed. In its statement the EIPR in Egypt reported by Human Rights last year matches the picture of the The Ministry of Interior had an- said that previously appointed com- Watch (HRW). child’s dead body that doctors in the nounced the same day that a Central mittees have been dependent on the The EIPR said in its statement that Zeinhom morgue showed activists as Security Forces (CSF) conscript ac- ministry and the executive branch it was contacted by Valentin Zellwe- they were looking for missing activist cidently shot a street vendor near the of the state. EIPR believes that the ger, the head of the international law Mohamed El-Shafie. American embassy in Cairo but did committee’s lack of independence is division at the Swiss foreign ministry.

In the recorded interview with lo- Egypt News Daily not mention the street vendor’s age. hindering the process of recovering He told EIPR the decision to block cal charity Lifemakers, Omar said he Omar salah Omran, 12, was selling sweet potatoes in a street near down- the funds. access to the file “may slow down had been selling sweet potatoes on town cairo when a policeman shot him in the chest, killing him continued on page 3 Osama Diab, a researcher for Egyptian-Swiss cooperation in deter- EIPR, believes that the committee mining the source of funds frozen in is affected by the ongoing political Switzerland”. youTube ban: ‘a setback for freedom of expression’ turmoil in Egypt due to this depen- Zellweger did assert that Switzer- Diesel dency. land is committed to returning these The YouTube ban opens the door for further censorship, Amnesty International says Diab observed that this new com- funds as soon as possible. mittee would be at least the third of In January the same Swiss court de- Amnesty International issued a state- be placed on freedom of expression, bothers Eltahawy. The Association for its kind since efforts began to recover layed the repatriation of the smuggled ment on their official website on Tues- Eltahawy said. It calls for the media to the Freedom of Thought and Expres- supply the frozen assets. He reported that funds, said to be $767m. Political insta- day condemning the temporary You- protect and uphold Egyptian family val- sion (AFTE) is equally bothered by this the Swiss court has complained about bility was cited as one of the reasons tube ban in Egypt, calling it “a setback ues, and Amnesty International has been ban and labelled it an attack on multiple the frequent changes to their Egyptian for the decision. for freedom of expression”. concerned about what this might imply. freedoms. They are preparing an appeal restricted point-of-contact. At the beginning of February a re- According to the statement, this 30- “This ban certainly opens the door against the ruling to be submitted to the Diab also reported that the court quest by Egypt to release the funds day block has been issued in response to for further censorship,” Eltahawy said. High Administrative Court this week. Ministry of Petroleum tries to had made comparisons between was also rejected. However, the head the controversial video of the Innocence The National Telecommunications “The YouTube ban is not only an solve diesel shortage in Egypt Egypt and Tunisia. As a result Egypt of the Swiss foreign ministry, Didier of Muslims film posted last September, Regulatory Authority (NTRA) released a attack on the freedom of expression,” appeared less stable than Tunisia, ex- Burkhalter, agreed to begin drafting which sparked waves of violence across statement on 9 February saying that they said Nada Kabbary, media spokesper- By lamia nabil plaining the lagging process of recov- a legal text to allow Egypt to regain Egypt and the Muslim world. The court would be taking all necessary steps to up- son for the AFTE. “It is also an attack ering the funds. the funds. ruling on Saturday said that freedom of hold the court’s decision. No one from on the freedom of information and The Ministry of Petroleum has devel- expression should not “provoke the feel- NTRA could be reached for comment. the freedom of religion.” oped several initiatives to ameliorate ings and resentment of believers of other In response to the ban, Google Such attacks were a frequent worry the diesel shortage in Egypt. Currently religions, particularly heavenly religions”. stated that they work to create a for Amnesty International during the the ministry provides 35,000 litres of Turkish airlines adds Red Sea The reasons given for the ban are in community that fosters freedom of days of Mubarak, but they hoped this diesel, worth $35m, to the market each direct contradiction with the Interna- expression but they will restrict ac- would not be an issue under Morsi. day. Minister of Petroleum Osama Kamal resorts to their destinations tional Covenant on Civil and Political cess to a video if it violates their com- “The newly elected president has said that he expected the government to Rights, to which Egypt is a signatory, munity guidelines. However, the video been given an opportunity to fix past provide increased financial support for said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty Interna- in question does not break these ills,” said Eltahawy. “We certainly hope petroleum products in the 2012/2013 tional’s representative in Cairo. guidelines, Google said. the same mistakes are not repeated.” fiscal year, at a cost of EGP 120bn. “These laws allow certain limita- “We are aware of the court or- However, Kabbary feels that free- Kamal said that the ministry is tions to be placed on the freedom of der requiring the government to dom of expression in Egypt is now in monitoring diesel distribution to fuel expression on the grounds of danger block YouTube and are reviewing it,” even greater peril. stations to control diesel smuggling. to security,” said Eltahawy. “But not Google said “Freedom of expression and free- He added that the Ministry will end on the grounds of offensive content.” While the likelihood of the govern- dom of the media are worse off than supplies of diesel to all stations found However, Egypt’s new constitu- ment successfully banningYouTube is not before,” Kabbary said. “Nothing has manipulating sale prices or smuggling tion does allow certain limitations to high, it is the principle of the matter that changed since the Mubarak regime.” diesel, and will distribute their share of petrol to neighbouring stations. He added that Ministry diesel dis- Egyptian Stock Exchange tribution will focus on Wataniya, Misr,

and COOP stations. The ministry Courtesy of elgouna.com 7.2245 7.6252 Closing Daily Change owns 1800 fuel stations, totaling 10% The red sea attracts many visitors from abroad EGX 30 5,732.14 -0.41% of all stations in Egypt. 6.7287 6.7588 Mahmoud Nazim, undersecretary of In the past two years news related But there is good news too, and the Ministry of Petroleum, said that the to the tourism industry in Egypt a good example of faith in Egypt as EGX 70 487.65 -1.17% 8.9769 9.4032 ministry aims to convert cars and vehi- has not been optimistic. Tourist a destination is Turkish Airlines’s cles from diesel to natural gas in order to resorts have been struggling to recent addition of Hurghada and 10.4695 10.9666 EGX 100 822.60 -0.53% reduce consumption of gasoline and die- survive and keep their employees Sharm El-Sheikh as destinations. sel fuel and reduce petroleum imports. and all-time touristic favourites Daily News Egypt spoke to Mo- 1.785 1.806 EGX 20 6,683.07 -0.52% like Luxor attract fewer visitors hamed Durmaz, the general man- continued on page 6 than in the past. ager of Turkish Airlines in Hurghada. 2 Daily news egypt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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strong egypt party boycotts dialogue Culture minister retracts resignation Continued from page 1 Minister said he will stay until parliamentary elections are The Salafi Al-Nour Party also proposed an initiative, while several political figures held or consensus on national dialogue is achieved signed an Al-Azhar document renounc- By Luiz Sanchez colleagues and friends emphasising ing violence. El-Mohandes claimed that the importance of this stage and the the presidency ignored the initiatives, Minister of Culture Mohamed Saber gravity of our situation necessitated adding that his party will not participate Arab retracted his resignation on my return to the post in order to pre- in any upcoming dialogue session unless Tuesday, explaining that he did so in serve the institutions and the minis- Morsi employs a means for implement- order to “preserve the unity and in- try,” Saber Arab explained. ing dialogue results. tegrity of the ministry,” the state-run Saber Arab announced he would “We are afraid that the dialogue Al-Ahram newspaper reported. resign in a press statement on 4 Feb- sessions might continue until parlia- Saber Arab said he would remain ruary, but gave no official reason for mentary elections are held without in his post until parliamentary elec- his decision. Media outlets speculated reaching a tangible result,” explained tions are concluded or until there is that his resignation came as a result El-Mohandes. a consensus on the ongoing national of the televised beating of Hamada On the upcoming parliamentary dialogue. Saber. elections, El-Mohandes said that his “I have accepted the responsibility The former undersecretary for party is considering boycotting them, of the Ministry of Culture during this the culture ministry, Hossam Nassar, believing that a boycott is the most historical period,” Saber Arab said, claimed that Saber Arab cooperated important peaceful method of apply- adding that the current situation “is with the Muslim Brotherhood in or- ing political pressure. one of the toughest periods expe- der to help them extend their influ-

The party spokesperson also men- / Mohammed Abed AFP Photo rienced by Egypt during its modern ence within the ministry, but decided tioned that his party did not accept the President Mohamed Morsi has called on all political forces to attend an upcoming dialogue session history”. to leave after recognising the govern- way Morsi appointed General Prose- Saber Arab said the enormous ment was failing. The former minister cutor Tala’at Abdallah, adding that they In preparation for the upcom- opposition group attending the next unified vision for resolving the cur- challenges he and his colleagues face, had praised Saber Arab’s decision to would like Abdallah to resign and not ing dialogue session, the Al-Nour’s dialogue session. However, he said the rent crisis. The vision included form- and the lack of financial resources leave on a show aired on the Sada to be sacked by the president. “Morsi parliamentary coordinator, Hossam meeting was postponed, claiming he ing a new government, appointing a available, forced him to consider re- El-balad TV channel, saying his resig- does not have the legal power to sack Ragab, mentioned that his party was does not know when it will take place. new prosecutor general and forming turning to his previous employment nation was a decision any patriotic Abdallah now. We want him to resign supposed to hold a meeting with the Two weeks ago, Al-Nour and the a constitutional amendments com- as a professor of modern history. person would have made during such to avoid going through a legal crisis.” NSF to discuss the possibility of the NSF announced they had reached a mittee. “But the feelings expressed by my a critical period. policeman dies in attack on popular Current denounces el-gendy forensic report Central Bank governor The movement said in a statement that the report was fabricated to suit the needs of the government

Central Bank Governor Hisham Ramez’s car was stolen in By Luiz Sanchez firming in a detailed report that he several security officers whilst naked, minister of interior of being complicit. an ambush that killed one policeman was subjected to various forms of as further proof of the government The Popular Current said it would The Popular Current denounced the torture. The torture included in the covering up the truth. appeal the report. report issued by the justice ministry’s report includes hanging and electro- Saber’s beating was caught on The movement also said they Forensic Medical Authority (FMA) re- cution of the tongue, and eyewitness camera and in response the govern- would not allow those who violated garding the death of activist Mohamed statements confirming his incarcera- ment issued a series of contradictory El-Gendy’s rights to deprive his fam- El-Gendy. The FMA concluded on tion at the Central Security Forces statements denying police had beaten ily, friends and colleagues of knowing Tuesday that his death was a result of (CSF) camp Al-Gabar Al-Asfar. him. Saber also had said he was not the real perpetrators. The current a car accident, and not torture at the Statements made by the minister beaten by police, despite evidence to announced it would pursue two hands of police. of justice two days before the report the contrary. avenues to achieve justice; the first The movement said in a statement was issued claiming El-Gendy had The Popular Current said this is would be through the law and the the report was false, and that foren- died after a car accident without mak- proof that repressive police policies second through popular awareness sics specialists’ job was to uncover ing mention of any investigation are are still the norm and that govern- and support. injuries a body has sustained without proof that the state forensics report ment investigations are still geared The Egyptian Organisation for Hu- assuming a cause of death, which they was prepared in advance, according to towards protecting the state. man Rights (EOHR) also called for say is the job of the prosecutor. the movement. The movement also said the FMA investigations into El-Gendy’s death, The movement also said they had The Popular Current also pointed and prosecution have worked to- saying torture is a practice which called in their own specialists to ex- to the statements released by Hama- gether in this criminal act, accusing should not be a part of post-revolu-

Osama El-Kady amine El-Gendy before he died, con- da Saber, the man who was beaten by President Mohamed Morsi and the tionary Egypt. Central Bank of Egypt Governor Hisham Ramez and his escort were at- tacked on Wednesday morning (File photo)

The Central Bank of Egypt gover- was politically motivated. six activists grand Mufti meets with Us state nor’s car was attacked on Wednes- Policeman Raafat Al-Sayyed Nabil, day morning, leaving one guard dead. who was Ramez’s security escort, detained in Department official Three masked gunmen exchanged was killed in the attack. Public pros- fire with police before stealing Gov- ecutors were notified to begin in- alexandria, Gomaa and Posner discuss democratic transition and the importance of Egyptian youth ernor Hisham Ramez’s car. The in- vestigations into the killing and theft. cident occurred on the highway Ramez was appointed as the new overpass in Saft Al-Laban when the head of Egypt’s Central Bank in Jan- 19 released governor was being driven from his uary following the resignation off home in 6th of October City to the Farouk Al-Oqda. The appointment in Cairo Central Bank in Downtown Cairo. of Ramez, who was previously Oq- A security source told state- da’s deputy, came during the middle By Basil El-Dabh owned news agency MENA that of the country’s economic crisis. preliminary investigations into the Nabil’s body was transferred to Six activists were arrested by police on incident confirmed that the incident the Mahmoud Hospital in Mohandi- Tuesday evening in a cafe at Raml Sta- was purely criminal, in which the car seen, according to state-owned Al- tion in Alexandria. Journalist Ahmed was targeted, and deniedthe attack Ahram. Mohamed Refaat was detained, along with Islam Mahmoud Saleh, Yousry Al- Nagar, Al-Sayyed Ali, Gamil Al-Shaary, student’s trial for assaulting and Atef Al-Asmar. The six were politically active policeman postponed and members of various opposition groups and movements, according to British University in Egypt (BUE) Stu- cause President Mohamed Morsi’s con- Islam Qotb, an Alexandrian photogra- dent Union President Omar El-Alfy voy was due to drive through the area. pher and activist.

was arrested on Tuesday following an El-Alfy appeared in court on Saleh had filed a lawsuit against Ifta House altercation with police after he re- Wednesday in Heliopolis, accused of President Mohamed Morsi for award- Outgoing Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa meets Assistant US Secretary of State Michael Posner fused to move his car. He appeared assaulting a policeman, which El-Klefly ing himself medals that he did not de- in court on Wednesday accused of claimed was not true. She believes that serve and misusing public funds. Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa met with importance of establishing a dialogue ing evil lessons using a sword, accord- assaulting a policeman. this is an attempt by the police to exert Meanwhile, the Heliopolis Court United States Assistant Secretary of with the youth in Egypt. He pointed ing to AFP. Yousra El-Klefly, a friend of El-Alfy, their power over people arbitrarily. rejected an appeal against the re- State for Democracy, Human Rights, out that “this requires a degree of Many in Al-Azhar view the recent explained that after he parked his car, The judge postponed the case and lease of 19 detainees on Wednesday. and Labour Michael Posner on Tues- courage and creativity in communi- resignation of Pope Benedict XVI as a policeman and parking attendant El-Alfy was released and allowed to re- The detainees were arrested during day to discuss the current political cating with a new generation”. an opportunity to improve relations told him to move it. El-Alfy believed gain possession of his car. El-Klefly said: protests at the presidential palace situation in Egypt and the transition According to the Al-Azhar state- between the Church and Al-Azhar, that he had parked legally and did not “Cases like this don’t usually start again.” last Friday. The 19 included student to democracy. ment, Posner expressed his appre- reported AFP. want to move his car. The Ministry of Interior was not union member at Cairo University’s During their meeting Gomaa em- ciation for the Grand Mufti’s “role Posner left Cairo on Tuesday after El-Klefly claims that after El-Alfy available for comment. Faculty of Economics and Political Sci- phasised “that Egypt now faces many in the enrichment of human civilisa- a visit lasting four days. In addition questioned the policeman’s orders, El-Alfy is an activist and student at ence Abdel Moneim Amin, and Abdel important challenges”, according to tion, his vision and his global influ- to meeting Gomaa, Posner also met he was accused of trying to start the BUE and has in the past led stu- Moheim Ahmed, who sustained a leg a statement released by Al-Azhar on ence on spreading the culture of dia- with a number of high-level govern- a fight. She said that the policeman dent protests against the university injury as a result of birdshot. Wednesday. He called for unity “to logue, rapprochement and tolerance ment officials, members of civil so- went away and then returned with 10 administration. Two minors, Sayed Hassan, 17, and pass this critical stage in the history among world religions”. The state- ciety, activists, journalists, lawyers, other policemen who “attacked him In September 2012 he was involved Ahmed Gaber, 15, were also among of the nation”. ment added that Posner would share religious figures, and political groups. verbally and physically”. in representing the BUE students dur- those who were arrested and then Gomaa added that for democracy his views with the US administration. In a press conference on Tuesday She reported that El-Alfy sus- ing a two-week sit-in calling for com- released on Wednesday. to be applied in Egypt the country must Inter-religious dialogue has been Posner said: “Sustainable democracy tained injuries to his mouth, back pensation for students who missed Nermeen Hussein was the only fe- first “clarify the concepts of democra- an important role for Al-Azhar, both is more than just elections. There and legs and was held in a police the chance to earn the dual Egyptian/ male detainee out of the 19. She is an cy” and that people must be trained on in Egypt and abroad. Relations be- needs to be rule of law, official ac- station overnight. The police also British degrees normally offered by activist and the administrator of the the workings of a democracy. He also tween the Islamic authority and the countability and transparency, rights seized his car. the BUE. The negotiations were suc- Facebook page, “Then we revolted”. “rejected the use of violence in all its Vatican soured in 2006 when Pope of women, freedom of the press, and It was later revealed that El-Alfy was cessful and the university administra- Additional reporting by Rana Muham- forms and manifestations”. Benedict XVI described the Prophet many other things.” not allowed to park his car there be- tion met students’ demands. mad Taha The Grand Mufti also stressed the Muhammad as a warmonger spread- Additional reporting by Basil El-Dabh THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 Daily news egypt 3

www.thedailynewsegypt.com police kill child egypt expresses ‘concern’ for palestinian hunger strikers (AFP) - Egypt on Wednesday ex- in prevailing tensions, with conse- is renewable indefinitely. pressed “concern” for the well-be- quences in Palestinian lands,” he Palestinian president Mahmoud ing of Palestinian hunger strikers in added, demanding the international Abbas, Tuesday, called on the inter- Israeli prisons and warned that en- community intervene. national community to intervene dangering their lives could inflame Last year, between 1,600 and urgently in support of the hunger- tensions in Palestinian territories. 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israel striking prisoners, singling out four Egypt’s Foreign Minister Mohamed took part in a collective hunger detainees in need of special atten- Kamel Amr “expressed his concern strike which ended with an agree- tion—Assawi, Sharawneh, Jaafar Ez- over reports about the deteriorating ment with prison administrators on zedine and Tareq Qaadan. health of Palestinian hunger strikers 14 May. The Palestinian leader also sent in Israeli jails, especially Samer As- One of their main demands was an urgent letter to UN Secretary sawi and Ayman Sharawneh”, a min- the release of prisoners being held General Ban Ki-moon to condemn istry statement said. in “administrative detention” under the health and living conditions for “Amr warned that endangering which suspects can be imprisoned the hunger strikers, as well as to de- their lives could lead to an increase without trial for six months, which mand their release. Zakaria azmy released

Public Domain Public Appeals court releases former regime figure after the maximum period of remand was exceeded Eyewitnesses claim Omran was killed by army soldiers and not the police By Fady Salah months while investigations are car- explained that the prosecutor general Continued from page 1 that the accompanying police officers that contrary to its claims, the Minis- ried out. and the public prosecution authority had orders not to register him with try of Interior does indeed provide The Cairo Court of Appeals released Azmy spent around 21 months in have the right to release prisoners The conscript was “joking around the hospital if he died. its men with live ammunition and real Zakariya Azmy, former president custody after being imprisoned on 27 being investigated with or without a with the child” when his gun acci- She added that army soldiers, bullets,” the statement read. Hosni Mubarak’s chief of staff, on May 2011. bail charge. “The prosecutor general dently went off. The conscript has not police, brought the body to the EOHR President Hafez Abu Wednesday, after accepting the appeal However, investigations into the keeps on releasing former regime fig- since been arrested, the ministry morgue. Azab also said she spoke to Seada called the incident a “hei- filed by his lawyer against the seven- accusations of illicit gains will con- ures for free, but at the same time statement said. eyewitnesses who also claimed that nous crime” that violates “one of year prison sentence he received for tinue. Until they are concluded, Azmy he puts high financial constraints on No MilTrials members Rasha Azab an army conscript, and not the police, the basic human rights, which is the illicit gains. will not be allowed to leave Egypt. revolutionary figures held in custody and Nazly Hussein spoke to doc- had shot the boy. right to life”. Gamal Saeed, Azmy’s lawyer, de- Azmy is accused of illicitly gain- to release them,” Emam stated. tors at the Mounira Hospital where The Egyptian Organisation for Hu- The organisation called on the Min- manded his release based on Article ing EGP 598m during his tenure as Emam predicted that Azmy will be Omar’s body was first brought. man Rights (EOHR) released a state- istry of Interior to open an investiga- 143 of the criminal procedures law, Mubarak’s chief of staff and as a mem- sentenced to a period of imprison- Azab said doctors told them the ment condemning the incident. tion immediately and bring the culprit which states that a prisoner cannot ber of the People’s Assembly. ment shorter than the original seven- child was dead when he arrived and “The shooting [of the child] proves to justice. be held in custody for more than 18 Amr Emam, a human rights lawyer, year sentence. Mekki appointed new tunisia’s ennahda says may quit in boost for pM

By Antoine Lambroschini bly demanding the government’s res- ambassador to Vatican ignation, among them Belaid’s widow, By Emily Crane Tunis (AFP) — Tunisia’s ruling En- Besma Khalfaoui, who called for the nahda party said Tuesday it could resignation of the Islamist-led govern- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has leave power, throwing Prime Minister ment. received approval for its nomination Hamadi Jebali a lifeline in his quest to “This government must resign to- of former Vice President Mahmoud form a government of technocrats day, not tomorrow or the day after Mekki as the new ambassador to the and steer the country out of its crisis. tomorrow. It must not wait,” she told Vatican, according to state-run news “Ennahda could quit power if Jebali AFP. agency MENA. maintains his proposal. Everything is “Those are the rules of the political Mekki received the appointment possible. It is not inevitable for Ennah- game: when a government fails, it must as ambassador in January, one month da to stay in the government,” Foreign take responsibility.” after his resignation from the position Minister Rafik Abdessalem said. Both the powerful General Union of vice president, a post which was “Dialogue continues. The doors of Tunisian Workers and the union of abolished as part of the newly adopt- are not closed,” Abdessalem, a son- employers UTICA have expressed

ed constitution. Since his resignation, in-law of Ennahda party chief Rachid / Gianluigi Guercia AFP Photo support for Jebali’s initiative, seeing

Mekki has worked as the chairman of AFP Photo Ghannouchi, said on the pan-Arab People walk past a national flag through the covered alleyways of the in it a way to emerge from the crisis. a national dialogue forum sponsored Former Vice President Mahmoud news channel Al-Arabiya. medina of Tunis Ennahda hardliners refuse to give by President Mohamed Morsi. Mekki originally received the Abdessalem’s remarks were the up key portfolios and have warned There has not been an Egyptian appointment in January, one first by a key Ennahda official suggest- Assembly speaker Mustapha Ben insisting however that it must “repre- they will take to the streets of the ambassador to the Vatican since the month after his resignation as vice ing that the Islamist party, which con- Jaafar earlier said that he would sent all the political forces”. capital, as they did on Saturday, to end of Lamia Mukhaimar’s term in president trols 89 of the 217 seats in the National “strongly support” Jebali, adding that Jebali, meanwhile, has been holding insist on the party’s right to govern September 2012. Morsi had initially Constituent Assembly after an Octo- the country was in a “critical situa- consultations with politicians and le- following its October 2011 election offered the position to Abdel Meguid changed the retirement age for those ber 2011 election, could back down. tion” following Belaid’s murder. gal experts. triumph. Mahmoud, the prosecutor general working in the judiciary and effective- Jebali has been seeking political Ben Jaafar, the leader of the secular Ben Jaafar said talks were under The 6 February killing of Belaid has at the time, effectively removing him ly forced Mahmoud from office. Morsi support for his plan to form a non- Ettakatol, an ally of Ennahda, said he way with around six allies of Ennahda inflamed tensions between liberals from his position. Mahmoud declined then appointed Tala’at Abdallah as the partisan cabinet of technocrats, after was ready to hand over all ministerial including Ettakatol and President and Islamists over the direction of the the appointment, saying that he had new prosecutor general as part of his the assassination last week of a leftist positions controlled by his party, in- Moncef Marzouki’s centre-left Con- once proudly secular Muslim nation, not been consulted and the president November constitutional declaration opposition figure threw Tunisia into cluding finance, tourism and education. gress for the Republic party (CPR) with opposition protesters engaging could not remove him from his post. and offered the ambassador position turmoil. “It’s make or break, but we don’t which had threatened to pull out of in street clashes with police. As a result, Morsi granted himself to Mekki one month later. But Jebali has been facing stiff resis- want to break it,” he said, adding he the government. Tunisia is also witnessing a dead- immunity from judicial oversight, Additional reporting by Luiz Sanchez tance from Ennahda, which has been hoped Ennahda would put “national CPR chief Mohamed Abbou, however, lock over the drafting of the consti- blamed for the cold-blooded murder interests above partisan interests”. told reporters on Monday: “We have de- tution, 15 months after the election of Chokri Belaid, who was a staunch Ghannouchi had also opened the cided to freeze our decision to withdraw of the assembly, and the country has Muslim Brotherhood announce critic of the government. door for a possible compromise on our ministers from the government, but been further destabilised by the rise Jebali was warned of chaos and the future government. if in one week we don’t see any changes, of Salafis, accused of deadly attacks. ‘symbolic’ participation in Friday demos threatened to quit if he is unable to “The government that can save the we will quit the government”. Poverty and unemployment, two form a new government by the middle situation in the country... is a govern- On Monday, hundreds of Tunisians key factors that led to the revolution, By Basil El-Dabh litical wing, announced several march- of the week. ment of national coalition,” he said, protested outside the national assem- continue to grip the country. es that will head towards Cairo Uni- The Muslim Brotherhood has an- versity for a mass protest scheduled nounced that it will “symbolically” to take place there on Friday. participate in demonstrations re- The marches will begin from the anHRi condemns attack on journalists nouncing violence on 15 February. Al-Rahma Mosque in Haram, the Es- “The Muslim Brotherhood appre- teqama Mosque in Giza, the Salah El- Journalist sit-in at the Press Syndicate violently dispersed by syndicate security, Arab Network for Human Rights said ciates the invitation from Al-Jamaa Din Mosque in Manial, the Assad Ibn Al-Islamiya and the Building and De- Furat Mosque in Dokki, the Mostafa By Luiz Sanchez agreed to several of their demands but ing Al-Wali and the security guards of into the matter and demanding the velopment Party (BDP) for peaceful Mahmoud Mosque in Mohandessin, had continuously stalled on signing an incitement to murder, harassment of syndicate also launch an investigation. demonstrations in front of Cairo and also from several mosques in the The Arab Network for Human Rights agreement. As a result, those attending journalists, and endangering the lives of ANHRI also praised the prosecutor University on Friday 15 February Boulaq and Bein El-Sarayat districts. Information (ANHRI) condemned last the meetings called for a sit-in to pres- protesters through physical assault, in- general for urging the Supreme Press under the banner ‘Together Against The BDP said the protests would Sunday’s attack on journalists by the sure him. cluding kicking, hitting and lynching. The Council to reconsider the composition Violence’, to denounce all means of call for respecting judicial verdicts and state-run Al-Ahram newspaper’s secu- According to the ANHRI, Al-Wali Bulaq sheriff is also accused of disre- of the committee due to the lack of neu- thuggery, including the killing of citi- issuing legislation supporting the poor, rity personnel on Wednesday. The jour- informed the Bulaq Abul Ela police sta- garding his duties and being complicit in trality by its chairman. An investigation zens, attacks on the police, the damag- and would ask political groups such as nalists held a meeting with the chairman tion of the sit-in, and added that the endangering the lives of the journalists into the actions of the Bulaq police chief ing of institutions, and the disruption the National Salvation Front (NSF) to of Al-Ahram’s board of directors Mam- protesters had attempted to storm his by failing to provide security. has also been opened. of production and people’s interests,” engage in unconditional dialogue. douh Al-Wali to discuss a solution sur- office. Al-Ahram security personnel re- “The Press Syndicate’s resort to vio- Al-Wali also serves as the head of the the Brotherhood statement said. The NSF has boycotted the on- rounding the current newspaper crisis portedly threatened to use force on the lence to break up a sit-in by a group of syndicate, and has attracted much ire “Therefore the Muslim Brother- going national dialogue initiated by in Egypt last Saturday. protesters and at one point they were colleagues who did their job to defend from syndicate members after voting as hood has decided to symbolically President Mohamed Morsi. The ANHRI said the protesters were beaten after security guards turned off their interests and protect their rights a member of the Constituent Assembly participate in this event,” said the The Muslim Brotherhood previously originally there to discuss how to deal the lights. The police, the ANHRI said, is a very dangerous precedent,” the last December, despite the syndicate’s statement, which also highlighted the announced its “symbolic” participation with the problems that arose from the did not respond to the protesters’ calls ANHRI said. Such acts by people tasked decision to boycott the vote due to the Brotherhood’s “Together we build in September demonstrations against closure of newspapers and the loss in for help and the protesters were sub- with defending freedom of expression heavy Islamist presence. Egypt” initiative. the film Innocence of Muslims. The Sep- salaries, as well as the promised allow- sequently removed by force. and peaceful protests in all forms con- Al-Wali promised last week he would The Brotherhood blamed various tember protests saw lower turnouts and ances by the Press Syndicate for those The protesters filed a police report stitutes “a double crime” with legal con- not be participating in the next board political groups and figures, as well as the mobilisation than usually seen in Islamist- who had lost their jobs and reloca- on the assault and the police’s failure sequences. member elections, set to take place 1 Egyptian media, for the current instability. initiated demonstrations. tion of employment to other state- to protect them. A complaint was also The ANHRI praised the prosecutor March, citing his current position at Al- The BDP, Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya’s po- Additional reporting by Fady Salah run newspapers. Al-Wali previously filed to the prosecutor general, accus- general for opening an investigation Ahram as the main reason. 4 Daily news egypt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com tourism AFP Photo / Eric Feferberg AFP Photo Sharm El-Sheikh turkish airlines adds red sea resorts to their destinations Many reports have been written son the improvement is not being felt it seems that Hurghada is slowly about the decline of tourism in Egypt is primarily because the demographic recovering and Durmaz agreed. “In since the January 2011 uprising. Sto- segmentation of the tourists coming sum, Western European tourists ries about empty resorts and strug- to Hurghada has changed; the number are returning to Hurghada but at a gling hotels and restaurants abound, of tourists from some countries has slower rate than those from Eastern and even classic tourist attractions increased swiftly and has passed 2010 Europe,” he said. To Durmaz, the fu- like the pyramids see only a fraction levels while the numbers from other ture looks bright though: “We expect of the visitors they would normally countries are also increasing but they 2013 to surpass the prior years on all welcome on a typical day. Local inhab- are still behind those of 2010.” demographic segments.” itants of tourist destinations struggle Durmaz explained this phenom- Durmaz’s optimistic outlook on to make ends meet and the general enon with an example. “In 2009, the growth potential in Egypt in general

impression is that Egypt’s tourism total number of Russian tourists in and Hurghada in particular was re- Loat Sarah sector is facing a long struggle for Hurghada was 1,009,712 while in freshing. “In terms of growth I can say The Nile and temples in Luxor survival. 2012 it was 1,323,081, which is an that Egypt in general is undervalued as But it is not all doom and gloom increase of 32.04%. The total number a touristic destination. There are great force of tourism in the Egyptian mar- sales channels; passengers can pur- each destination relies on the other and a good example of faith in Egypt of tourists from the UK in 2009 was opportunities for companies in the ket. With our strong presence we will chase their tickets online, through our destinations present on the network as a destination is Turkish Airlines’ re- 135,943 but in 2012 that number was tourism sector and it is because of this be connecting Hurghada to 219 cities offices, through their travel agents or of the carrier.” cent addition of Hurghada and Sharm 116,141, which is a drop of 14.57% untapped potential that I believe the around the world.” through tour operators who we deal Turkish Airlines’ new operations El-Sheikh as destinations. Daily News but still an increase compared to the market only has one way to go: up!” One major reason for the decline with,” Durmaz said. in the Red Sea cities are expected to Egypt spoke to Mohamed Durmaz, total number of 95,890 UK visitors he said. “As for Hurghada, I think this in Egypt’s tourism is blamed on tour- At the moment the airline operates have a significant impact on attracting the general manager of Turkish Air- in 2011.” Based on these numbers beautiful city is going to be the driving ists’ perception that Egypt is not safe three flights per week to Hurghada, a more diverse array of tourists from lines in Hurghada. at this time. When asked if he felt that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but for different areas around the world. The first Turkish Airlines flight there is anything the government can all current and future destinations in “With 96 countries we are currently landed in Hurghada in October do to assure travellers that Egypt is Egypt, expansion is possible. “Increas- number one in the world in terms of 2012. “I previously worked in Kuwait safe Durmaz said: “I represent the ing capacity by increasing the number the number of countries we fly to,” where the market is very competi- private sector so I can tell you what of flights is and always will be on the Durmaz said. tive and the demographic structure the private sector can do. We can try table for us,” Durmaz said. In the past the number of Turk- of the local market has a large pro- and get more press coverage to bal- Durmaz said he felt that the pres- ish tourists has been limited, but portion of Egyptians. I can say I am ance out what I call the negative sen- ence of Turkish Airlines and its many with Hurghada as a new destina- quite familiar with Egyptian culture,” sationalism that scares people away destinations will help the tourism sec- tion Durmaz expects this to change. Durmaz said. “I started working in from Egypt.” tor in Hurghada. “I have the absolute “With our presence we have begun Hurghada on 1 February.” While charter flights to Hurghada conviction that having 219 cities con- to see an increase in the number of Egypt as a country is not a new are common, only a few national car- necting to Hurghada, and most im- Turkish tourists,” he said. destination for Turkish Airlines. “We riers have included the Red Sea town portantly connecting the rising Turk- Durmaz expects the same to hap- have been flying to Cairo since 1980,” in their destinations. When asked why ish market to here, will add value to pen to the amount of Egyptians visit- Durmaz said. The first expansion in Turkish Airlines decided to start flying the tourism sector,” he said. ing Turkey. “With travel the key is ac- destinations happened in 2012 when to Hurghada, Durmaz explained the When asked about specific plans cessibility. Travelling via transit routes Alexandria was added, followed by company’s strategy. “We fly to more Turkish Airlines has to increase and long waiting hours in the airport is Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada on than 90 cities in Europe alone and this the influx of tourists to Hurghada, a hassle many would want to avoid but 9 and 17 October 2012 respectively, is where most of the tourists to Egypt Durmaz said: “Unfortunately I cannot connecting six cities in Egypt directly according to Durmaz. and Hurghada come from.” share specifics with you. However, I to Istanbul and vice versa is going to

Durmaz said Turkish Airlines’ am- Courtesy of elgouna.com “Unlike charter companies we think it is sufficient to say that we are alleviate that problem,” he said. bitions extend beyond the Red Sea Sea turtles are plentiful in the Red Sea have the advantage of having many a network carrier which means that Durmaz believes the airline will resort cities. “We will be opening in also benefit the expatriate communi- Aswan and Luxor sometime this year, ties in these cities as well: “The de- a testament to the potential we see in mographic nature of the foreign com- the Egyptian market,” he said. munity here is perfect, both for us and Visiting Hurghada, one might find for them. Not only will they be able to empty streets that seem to confirm fly home with us, they will also get to numerous stories of decline in the their homes much faster than before.” amount of tourists choosing the Overall Durmaz is excited with the destination for their holiday. When expansion of his company in Hurgha- Durmaz explained why the airline da. “I would like to underline some- chose to open Hurghada as a desti- thing; we are a private company driven nation during such a tumultuous time, to make profits in all the markets we he pointed out that this impression operate in. We would not be present may not be correct. in Egypt if we did not see tremendous “Actually, the statistics of the Egyp- potential here. Egyptian tourism is tian authorities show that the number going to make history in this decade

of tourists in 2012 has slightly surpassed AFP Photo and we are here to help make it,” he 2010 levels,” he said. “I think the rea- The pyramids still attract tourists concluded. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 Disclaimer: Commentaries published Daily news egypt 5 by Daily News Egypt do not reflect the position of the paper, but the independent opinions of their authors. commentary www.thedailynewsegypt.com columns attack Brotherhood’s electronic militias and morsi’s slow decision-making process Writers explored an assortment of political topics in Egyptian newspapers. Some experience that qualify them to manage Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Par- state of violence that has been spread- have debated the issue of the electronic militias of the Muslim Brotherhood, and a country in a critical stage, says Hussein. ty asked why females would go to dem- ing across the country in the past few others have denounced Morsi’s slow pace in making urgent decisions. He believes that Qandil is a scapegoat to onstrations where thugs are around. weeks. He says that Morsi’s late decision- Morsi’s failing policies and poor admin- Some other members condemned the making has been one of the major char- The failure of the electronic militias ing that some regular readers respond istration skills. People will never feel the female participation in politics stating acteristics of his failing administration. Mohamed Salmawi to his articles in a logical way. There is change even if Morsi keeps on altering that many girls contribute to their own Dissecting the dangers of this sluggish Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper always a vast difference between the re- the cabinet several times. He needs to sexual harassment. Soweif chides the attitude, Khafagy argues that it does not sponses of the electronic militias, who change the policies through which this officials’ repeated attacks on women solve the situation, especially amid public aim at nothing but meaningless attacks, country is functioning. If Egyptians had and denounces the common incidents demands and demonstrations. Another and the comments of actual readers a better sense of judgment, they would of group sexual harassment recorded problem lies in a state of confusion whom many times have a point to make have questioned Morsi himself because in several marches. Women in Egypt regarding the presidency as an institu- presidential dialogue sessions fruitful in their arguments. he is the one who appointed Qandil. have been organising several marches tion. In times when news spreads that a is to have major opposition figures Hussein repeatedly emphasises his view- calling against sexual harassment and cabinet reshuffle is soon to take place, we such as Hamdeen Sabahy, Amr Moussa Hold Morsi accountable first, not point that Qandil is not the person to be their fundamental right to demonstrate find the presidency denying the reports. and Mohamed ElBaradie take part in Qandil blamed here. peacefully without facing harassment or A few days later the news spreads again. the dialogue with the Islamists. Emad Al-Din Hussein intimidation. Soweif praises the move In Khafagy’s opinion, this means that Adeeb says that so far all the sessions Al-Shorouk newspaper A play and encourages females to continue the presidency intends to create a per- that were hosted by the presidency and Ahdaf Soweif fighting for their right to participate in plexed atmosphere with regards to what aim at reaching consensus are more of Salmawi speaks about the groups be- Al-Shorouk newspaper politics, have their voice heard in the people want, which is a cabinet reshuffle. a gathering for friends or a public rela- longing to the Muslim Brotherhood streets and combat sexual harassment The writer concludes his column stat- tions meeting between the Islamist par- who are assigned to electronically at- in all its forms. ing that Egyptians cannot understand the ties. What dialogue is achieved when the tack a number of intellectuals and writ- reasons behind the lethargic reactions Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Jus- ers against Morsi and the Islamist group. The slow pace of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, tice Party meets with the Salafi Al-Nour Referring to this group as the “elec- Amro Khafagy simply because they enjoy being slow in party and Al-Wasat party without hard tronic militias”, the writer narrates his Al-Shorouk newspaper making decisions, even if it is at the ex- line opposition parties? For a dialogue to experience with a BBC producer who pense of the entire country. be successful, the writer says all conflict- asked him to share his experience with ing parties need to be present around these groups. Salmawi says he has al- Have the “dialogue” first one table. Adeeb also urges President ways been targeted by these electronic Hussein says Egyptians calling for Presi- Soweif starts her column denouncing Emad Al-Din Adeeb Morsi to personally call opposition fig- militias who use unacceptable phrases dent Morsi to replace Prime Minister the deteriorating security situation Al-Watan newspaper ures and invite them for genuine talks to while attacking his article. Hesham Qandil with Hamdeen Sabahy, in Egypt since the 25 January Revo- As the presidency has called to re- solve the crisis and end the current po- He condemns how they blindly obey Mohamed ElBaradie or Amr Moussa is lution. During the 18-day uprising, sume the sessions of the national larised status. Adeeb reminds Morsi that the instructions of the Brotherhood a mistake. Egypt’s plight lies in the poli- Egyptians used to feel a high sense of dialogue, Adeeb argues that there US President Barack Obama has done without mastering the minimal skills of cies, not the politicians, he argues. He security when youths formed local must be some main features for these that before to engage all parties in fruitful negotiating or combating thoughts with defends Qandil saying that his authori- committees to protect their neigh- Khafagy blames the slow pace of the meetings to end successfully. One of meetings. Morsi would probably garner thinking. According to Salmawi, these ties are limited and all violence erupting bourhoods. Women felt safe in Tahrir current regime to the unprecedented the important variables in making the more support if he took this approach. groups exchange shifts inside an apart- in the country is Morsi’s responsibility. Square as they protested against the ment in Maspero. They receive a list of Egypt is still living in a situation where dark 30 years of Mubarak. Today, two writers everyday and are assigned to the president of the republic is the main years after the Revolution, girls are attack them viscously online. Salmawi controller of everything. Why are many being sexually harassed in demonstra- notes that these militias stop writing of- Egyptians and politicians pinpointing at tions and blamed for participating in will morsi face mubarak’s fate? fensive comments under his articles dur- Qandil as primarily responsible for the politics. The writer chides the recent By Sherif Elhelwa for Egyptian independent newspaper to be moderate Muslims such as former ing religious holidays. The writer says he chaos? If Qandil decided to announce a statements issued by the human Al-Youm Al-Sabe’: “The Salafis will take President Sadat, who was assassinated presented a number of websites in which cabinet reshuffle, then Morsi is also to be rights committee of the Shura Coun- As Egyptians celebrated the second over, maybe by popular support, since at the hands of extreme Islamists in these groups always leave their unpleas- blamed because his choice of the new cil, in which many members blamed anniversary of former president Hosni they’re the next-best alternative for the 1981, and former President Mubarak,” ant comments or remarks to the BBC ministers was not wise. the women for engaging in protests. Mubarak’s ousting, protests organised majority of Egypt’s poor and conserva- Mai Assal, a liberal business executive producer. He concludes his column stat- The new officials lack the sufficient Members belonging to the Muslim by opposition groups continued against tive Egyptians. They have more pres- and once political activist, explained to the rule of Mubarak’s successor Presi- ence and good credit in the street.” The Media Line. dent Mohamed Morsi, who some be- Al-Serafy predicted that “power will It appears from press statements that lieve will meet Mubarak’s fate. Others change hands from a moderate Islamic because the military does not want to EDiTor’S lETTEr believe he remains firmly in control. Muslim Brotherhood to the extremist lose support among Egyptians, appear- Although promoted as “peaceful”, Salafis, which will take years to end”. ing to be the last resort for their protec- marches toward government institu- Early on during the period leading up tion, it would like to maintain a neutral on the interior and stability nonsense tions and the presidential palace have to Mubarak’s ousting, the slogan of the position. “The military institution is still A few months before the Revolution’s to the police station, beaten up and frequently turned violent as demon- Salafi Al-Nour Party, “Islamiya, Islamiya!” in control of its own elements and in- spark, I had two Palestinian friends threatened with higher charges in strators hurl Molotov cocktails, inviting (“Islamic, Islamic!”), was countered by vestments, and I doubt that the Muslim working in the media visiting me in order to pay a much higher bribe. the inevitable response from Egyptian liberals and subdued by the more mod- Brotherhood will take over the steering Cairo. The last time I had seen them We were also lucky that we looked riot police who use water cannons, erate Muslim Brotherhood. wheel of the Armed Forces,” Sameh Al- before this was in an Arab summit in “upper class”, although we are not, as teargas, birdshot, and batons to deter Egyptian opposition groups, which Yazal, a retired general and expert on 2007, while we worked together back the way they dealt with us was pretty protesters from attacking the palace. include the National Salvation Front the Egyptian military, said in an inter- then. So, the three of us met at a fancy negotiable and no usual dirty words Slogans heard during the early days (NSF), leftist parties, youth move- view on Egyptian television. “The armed Mohandiseen flat they rented, we had were said to us. of the 25 January Revolution that oust- ments, liberal factions and revolution- forces are still the final resort for the a long pleasant conversation and then In other circumstances with other ed Mubarak are being heard once more, ary movements, still do not represent Egyptians, and Egyptians believe that decided to leave. poor-looking people in other unfor- this time calling for the fall of the Morsi the majority of the Egyptian popula- the armed forces will protect them at While we were in the Arab League tunate neighbourhoods or villages, regime and the ruling Freedom and Jus- tion, most of whom did not vote. Out all costs. But I believe the armed forces Street and before we split, one of reality is much more miserable and tice Party (FJP), the political arm of the of approximately 50 million Egyptians will not go back to take control unless them took out a very big piece of hash occasionally violent. MAHEr HAMouD Muslim Brotherhood. who are eligible to vote, only about 26 there is a popular demand [to do so].” and decided to divide it in half for our Following the fall of Mubarak on 11 Despite almost daily protests, million voted in the recent presidential According to Abdallah Mash-hoor, other friend, as it seemed like there February, 2011, a complete cleanup of attempting to deny the incident. This the government doesn’t seem to be election. grandson of the Muslim Brotherhood’s was an agreement between them to such a department drowning in cor- is the same as Mubarak’s police with shaken. “All Islamists in Egypt support According to Ghorab, “the [more Grand Mufti Moustafa Mash-hoor, and do that before I arrived. A few minutes ruption and ignorance to the neck all its symptoms of dysfunction and Morsi,” Baher Ghorab, a Muslim Broth- experienced] opposition groups are a prominent figure in the FJP-run Egyp- later, the police came out of nowhere, was expected. So far, nothing has poor authoritarian practices. erhood member who works as a jour- taking advantage of the lack of politi- tian Business Development Association stopped the three of us, searched us happened, except for a few cosmetic Nobody with common sense nalist, told The Media Line. “[Morsi] was cal experience of the Muslim Brother- (EBDA), “Morsi is a very smart politi- and found the hash in my friend’s changes here and there. It was like would disagree that stability is essen- democratically elected and he has many hood, Salafis, and Egyptians”. cian. He is allowing this criticism so the pockets. conducting nose job surgery on a pa- tial to rebuild the country both eco- supporters from all sectors of Egyptian For many, the most important ques- opposition can be real and realistic. He Cutting the story short, my friends tient with bone cancer. The Supreme nomically and politically. However, it society.” tion is how long Morsi and his govern- is allowing all kinds of criticism. Many are confidently offered the three police- Council for Armed Forces (SCAF) did is considered completely irrational to Waleed Al-Badry, a media spokes- ment will last—and whether and to criticising him and even attacking the men (one officer and two administra- not want it; nor did the Muslim Broth- think that this stability can ever hap- man for the FJP, told The Media Line in what extent Morsi is in control of the presidential palace, and this has nothing tive policemen) EGP 100 as a bribe. erhood (MB). pen before transitional justice is met, an exclusive interview that the group military. to do with democracy”. The officer quietly left the scene, leav- In post-Mubarak Egypt the security or at least having serious steps taken is supported by other Islamist groups Waheed Abdel Mageed, Assistant One might believe that a civil war ing his two assistants to bargain a high- mentality and poor skills are the same; towards its fulfilment. Proper trials for such as the Salafis who do not neces- Director of Al-Ahram Centre for Politi- could break out after all the protests er amount of money arguing that it is a dirty tool in the hands of whoever those who murdered protesters dur- sarily share the same ideology, but have cal and Strategic Studies, told The Media and clashes between supporters of not enough, especially that we have a is in power that has enough secrets ing the first 18 days of the Revolution, similar political motives: to turn Egypt Line that “President Morsi seems to be the regime and opposition group, but high-ranking officer with us. Towards to keep it functioning the same way and those who are still killing them into a state ruled by Islamic (Shari’a) in control of the overall strategic deci- according to Sobhy Saleh, former sec- the end they settled with 200 and let without real change. Whether it was until today, are an essential condition law. “Salafis and the Muslim Brothers sions of the military where he swiftly retary-general of the Muslim Brother- us go. I was actually very surprised by the SCAF or MB, they both wanted, for attaining aspirations for stability. are political conservatives and they are removed the head of Supreme Council hood and member of the constituent my two friends’ courage to quickly of- and still want, to spread their pow- However, this is not even enough for suffering from a lack of experience,” Al- of Armed Forces (SCAF) Field Marshal assembly charged with drafting Egypt’s fer the police a bribe openly in one ers over the new Egypt, and a proper the average citizen believing that a Badry said. He lauded what he called Mohamed Hussein Tantawi back in constitution, things are different. He of Cairo’s most main streets and how clean up of the interior is not the wis- policeman is one of two; either one “the wisdom” of President Morsi in August 2012, and brought in the new told The Media Line: “We have the com- the police looked very much used to est thing to do. to buy or a one that will just tortures watching and observing the current defence minister, General Abdul Fatah plete conviction that there is a conspir- this. It was the last time I saw those The past few months have clearly her/him to satisfy those in power. Talks situation. In his assessment, “Morsi is Al-Sisi. There are a lot of deals that hap- acy against the Muslim Brotherhood two “friends” anyway, given the em- shown us evidences that nothing of stability are actually nothing but a very wise and smart person. I think pened since then”. [based on] media reports against them. barrassing situation they put us all in. has changed. Random arrests and nonsense before having a complete the problem lies behind the people sur- Al-Sisi is considered a new breed for The Egyptian people want change and This police bribery story is one torture in the Delta town of Meet makeover of the whole sector. But the rounding him”. the Egyptian Armed Forces, appearing I think that the nature of the Egyptian of thousands that we always hear Ghamr, kidnapping and torturing question is: Does it make any sense As protests escalate throughout to be a practicing Muslim due to the people is to avoid aggression. The proof about, before and after the Revolu- activists to death on the second an- that today’s MB government does not Egyptian cities, some believe the Mus- presence of a prayer mark (rug burn) of that is what happened during the 18 tion. Other stories with documented niversary of the Revolution, and the already know that? Happy Mubarak’s lim Brotherhood-backed regime will fall on his forehead, and his wife wearing days of the revolution.” evidences concerning police corrup- unbelievable scene of Hamada Saber fall anniversary, everyone! because of the appearance of incompe- a Niqab [head covering]. “This isn’t the tion are also always there. Maybe we being stripped naked and brutally as- tence in running the state. According to norm in the military institution, where Article first appeared on were lucky that we were not taken saulted in front of cameras and then [email protected] journalist Karim Al-Serafy, who writes its old generation members are known www.themedialine.org

Published by Business News for Press, and Sales and Marketing Director Distribution under License from the Supreme Editor Chairman Chief Editor Deputy Editor Politics Editor Sara Abou Bakr Art Director Ramy Kamal Council of Journalism Maher Hamoud Daily news Mostafa Sakr Saad Zaghloul Laurence Underhill Arts & Culture Editor Adel Heine Abdel-Azim Saafan 12 Haroon St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt Rana Allam Circulation Manager egypt Tel: +202 37486853 | Fax: +202 37486936 Sally Kandil [email protected] 6 Daily news egypt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com Business tax receipts reach egp 116bn Debt swap on hold By Lamia Nabil ing taxes owed by press organisations from before 2006 until they are able Deal incluDes projects in the fielDs of eDucation anD employment Chairman of the Egyptian Tax Au- to sell off assets, including tracts of thority Mamdouh Omar said that the land, to pay off their debt. National By Mohamed SalahEldin with Egypt, worth € 240m, that was to convince German Chancellor An- “The deal is on hold,” said volume of taxes paid reached EGP press organisations currently owe pledged by Germany in 2011. gela Merkel of the benefit of cutting Hans Hamman, development coop- 116bn yesterday. He stated that the EGP 10bn in back taxes. Minister of Planning and International The minister was referring to an Egypt’s debts to Germany through the eration referent at the German em- total amount is predicted to reach The Minister of Finance held a Cooperation Ashraf El-Araby denied article published last week in the swap deal. bassy in Cairo. “The first tranche is EGP 123bn by the end of February, meeting with the boards of directors reports that the German government German magazine Der Spiegel saying The agreement is planned to be ex- actually in work while negotiations an increase of EGP 21bn on the same of national newspapers last week to cancelled the debt swap agreement that President Mohamed Morsi failed ecuted over 3 tranches of equal value. on the remaining amount were period last year, when the total tax discuss a proposal regarding paying postponed in December because receipt volume for February 2012 the assets of delinquent amounts only € 30m of the first tranche was not reached EGP 102bn. By the end of and the possibility of an exemption yet spent.” January 2013, the total tax receipts from benefits, which make up 50% of Hamman added that the deal will volume reached EGP 108.5bn. arrears. cover a school food project in co- Omar said that 70% of tax receipts In December, President Mohamed operation with the World Food Pro- have been collected electronically. Morsi announced sweeping increases gramme (WFP) and the Ministry of Sovereign entities such as Suez Ca- in sales taxes and stamp duties on a Education and a cooperative project nal and Petroleum owe EGP 43bn in wide range of consumer goods and between Egypt and Germany for binding taxes, and the Tax Authority services, and amendments to Egypt’s building schools. has collected EGP 40bn so far. Omar income and property tax laws. The projects covered by the sec- added that the deterioration of the The tax law states that the maxi- ond and third tranches are yet to be economy is behind the lower tax re- mum debt to equity ratio is 4:1. In the defined, according to Haman, though ceipts from sovereigns. event that the debt exceeds this ra- previous discussions state they will Omar stated that the issue of taxes tio, the excess interest is not accepted focus on the areas of education and owed by national newspapers is pro- by the Tax Authority as a deductible employment. gressing towards a solution, and the expense. The law allows a transition “We are hopeful,” said Hamman, Tax Authority will prepare a commit- period of five years to give companies who expressed his wishes that the tee to handle this case due to their that do not comply with the capitali- negotiations will be resumed very serious financial losses. He also men- sation ratio set by the law the oppor- quickly after deciding on the remain- tioned that he will hold off on collect- tunity to fall in line with this ratio. ing € 30m. Under a debt swap programme, creditor countries may agree to cancel a portion of the debt owed OCi nV offer accepted to them, on the condition that the By Mohamed SalahEldin ation of the Global Depository Re-

AFP Photo / Odd Andersen AFP Photo debtor countries invest an agreed- ceipt (GDR) and the workers’ rights Despite meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his visit to Berlin in January, President Morsi was upon amount in local development Orascom Construction Industries according to the contracts. reported as being unable to convince her of the benefit of an Egyptian-German debt swap projects. (OCI) announced the results of its Shareholders who hold 83.07% of the ordinary and extraordinary General company’s shares attended the meeting. Meetings on Wednesday. Among the attendees were the Sawiris In the extraordinary general meet- family and the Abraaj Group, who be- Diesel supply restricted ing (EGM) the shareholders approved tween them hold 59.7% of shares. the purchase offer made by the Dutch Omar Darwazah, Investor Relations Continued from page 1 unit OCI NV. Manager at OCI, said that at the re- The shareholders accepted the fi- quest of the Egyptian Financial Super- Kamal added that it could be possible to nancial and technical information pro- visory Authority (EFSA), the Sawiris allocate some of the financial support vided during the meeting to explain family, the Abraaj Group and share- for petroleum products to covering the the GDR Exchange Offer, the Share holders who have agreed to swap into costs of converting cars from diesel to Exchange Offer, and the Cash Alterna- OCI NV have agreed to abstain from natural gas. He stressed that natural gas tive launched by OCI NV as detailed voting on resolutions relating to the receives approximately a sixth of the by the company share exchange offer by OCI NV and financial support allocated to diesel. The EGM deliberated the financial the planned mandatory tender offer to Factories will be encouraged to make and technical details of OCI NV’s offer holders of ordinary shares. contracts with the Ministry specifying to purchase 100% of the stocks listed Minority shareholders in atten- the quantities of diesel they require in in the stock market. They discussed the dance approved all resolutions for advance. Kamal pointed out that if they effects of the acquisition on the rights both the ordinary and extraordinary do not make such contracts, factories of minority shareholders if they refuse general meetings with 99.99% vot- will have to pay market prices for diesel. the offer, and the financial status of the ing favorably and 100 shares voting Hosaam Arafat, Chairman of the twoMarkets companies if the dealNo. takes place.Volumeagainst,Value(LE) according to the pressTrades release Petroleum Division in the Chamber TheListed meeting also discussed178 the116,864,613 ef- issued 606,790,525by the company. 22,905 of Commerce, said that today the di- fect of the deal on OCI’s capacity to EFSA said on Sunday that it has ad- vision agreed to introduce a proposal generateStocks revenues and the174 structure116,643,534 dressed380,351,382 OCI’s failure to present22,900 docu- to the ministry to increase the daily of thePDBonds subsidiary companies3 indicating220,120 ments or226,343,051 requests for approval3 on the amount to 40,000 litres. the ownership before and after the deal, adding that the offer did not include He added that Egypt’s 400 private acquisition.Bonds 1 959 the totality96,092 of the company’s shares2 and sector fuel stations will suffer from The Nilexshareholders debated8 the re454,750- did not mention731,113 the monetary109 com- the ministry’s policies. Egyptian petrol lationship between OCI and OCI NV pensation option for shareholders. stations are currently struggling with before andOTC after the transaction,16 and4,340,311 Darwazah21,971,968 stated that “the129 formal

the year’s third fuel shortage, with Hassan Ibrahim OCI’s commitments towards the sov- application will be submitted next motorists across the country forced Supply efforts will concentrate deliveries of diesel to Ministry of Petroleum pumps and Watanyia stations, owned by ereign Dealsbodies and debtors.12 3,725,519week, along21,434,941 with all the details32 per- to wait in long lines to fill their tanks. the military The EGM exposed the legal situ- taining to the deal”. Orders 4 614,792 537,027 97 Total 202 121,659,674 629,493,605 23,143 Daily EGX30 index performance Total Market Cap 386,930,989,202

Company Reuters Last Close Returns Daily Performance Turn Over Volume Market Cap. Market indices performance Sector Name Code Price Price Daily YTD 12-Mths. Max. Price Min. Price (EGP Mill.) Trade (EGP Mill.) Index Value Daily Ch. YTD Ch. Commercial Bank COMI Banks 35 35.10 -1.68% 1.53% 46.37% 35.66 34.70 45.33 1,291,266 21,321.02 EGX 30 5,732.14 -0.41% 4.94% NSGB NSGB Banks 37.80 37.75 0.08% 7.21% 33.91% 37.80 37.70 2.536 67,180 16,730.17 EGX 70 487.65 -1.17% 2.22% Ezz Steel ESRS Basic Resources 10.62 10.77 -0.92% 8.46% 57.23% 10.93 10.62 7.73 717,924 5,905.29 EGX 100 822.60 -0.53% 2.78% ELSWEDY ELECTRIC SWDY Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 22.02 22.19 -1.38% -3.14% -13.12% 22.50 22.02 0.407 18,363 5,026.91 Markets No. Volume Value(LE) Trades MRRIDIVE MOIL Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 1.14 1.15 0.00% -0.86% -24.20% 1.16 1.14 3.19 411,475 412.16 EGX 20 Capped 6,683.07 -0.52% 5.38% Listed 178 116,864,613 606,790,525 22,905 AIC Contracting AIND Financial Services excluding Banks 0.50 0.51 -1.92% 8.51% -17.74% 0.52 0.50 3.721 7,293,970 278.00 Stocks 174 116,643,534 380,351,382 22,900 Amer Group Holding AMER Financial Services excluding Banks 0.64 0.64 0.00% 0.00% -11.11% 0.65 0.63 1.99 3,110,983 1,945.41 Market Brief PDBonds 3 220,120 226,343,051 3 EK Holding EKHO Financial Services excluding Banks 1.29 1.29 0.00% 0.78% 10.26% 1.29 1.28 1.574 182,176 1,082.69 Volume Value No. of Bonds 1 959 96,092 2 EFG-Hermes HRHO Financial Services excluding Banks 11.69 11.74 -0.51% 6.63% -8.92% 11.86 11.64 13.45 1,146,013 5,643.88 MarketsDirection No.No. Volume Value(LE) Trades Nilex 8 (000's)454,750 (LE731,113 000's) Trades109 Pioneers Holding PIOH Financial Services excluding Banks 4.64 4.68 -1.27% -3.70% 20.62% 4.75 4.64 2.867 612,354 2,370.00 Listed 178 116,864,613 606,790,525 22,905 OTC 16 4,340,311 21,971,968 129 Citadel Capital CCAP Financial Services excluding Banks 3.95 3.97 -1.24% 5.03% 14.74% 4.03 3.93 12.49 3,143,734 2,627.95 ListedStocks stocks 174174 116,643,534116,444 380,351,382376,547 22,63922,900 Raya Holding RAYA Technology 5.55 5.59 -0.89% -1.24% 22.05% 5.65 5.54 0.745 133,273 362.22 Deals 12 3,725,519 21,434,941 32 Telecom Egypt ETEL Telecommunications 14.7 14.70 -0.41% 3.89% -13.38% 14.73 14.62 14.08 957,780 25,196.38 GainersPDBondsOrders 4234 220,120614,79248,418 226,343,051103,698537,027 5,993973 Orascom Telecom Media And Technology OTMT Telecommunications 0.64 0.65 1.56% 18.18% 49.13% 0.67 0.58 24.748 37,945,290 3,357.24 BondsTotal 2021 121,659,674959 629,493,60596,092 23,1432 Orascom Telecom ORTE Telecommunications 4.37 4.40 -2.00% 10.83% 4.76% 4.49 4.36 11.52 2,615,329 23,553.15 TotalDecliners Market Cap 106 58,453 386,930,989,202256,035 15,532 Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals SKPC Chemicals 13.01 13.05 -0.61% -1.51% -4.81% 13.17 13.00 2.229 170,761 6,893.25 Nilex 8 454,750 731,113 109 Egyptian Financial and Industrial EFIC Chemicals 10.2 10.24 0.49% 3.23% -16.34% 10.38 10.13 4.11 401,323 706.18 UnchangedOTCIndex 1626 4,340,311Value9,574 Daily21,971,96816,814 Ch. YTD1,114129 Ch. AMOC AMOC Oil and Gas 69.00 68.96 -0.27% -5.78% -13.61% 69.25 68.52 0.777 11,273 5,953.82 EGX 30 5,732.14 -0.41% 4.94% Juhayna Food Industries JUFO Food and Beverage 8.59 8.51 -2.41% 10.66% 71.23% 8.60 8.44 0.86 101,610 6,156.79 Deals 12 3,725,519 21,434,941 32 EGX 70 487.65 -1.17% 2.22% Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) OCIC Construction and Materials 266.00 267.86 1.65% 6.14% 3.89% 270.01 266.00 12.770 47,676 55,059.45 OrdersEGX 100 4 614,792822.60 537,027-0.53% 2.78%97 Delta Construction & Rebuilding DCRC Construction and Materials 6.6 6.65 -2.06% 6.57% -12.84% 6.82 6.58 1.32 198,198 156.89 EGX 20 Capped 6,683.07 -0.52% 5.38% Modern Co. For Water Proofing WATP Construction and Materials 2.14 2.15 0.00% 20.11% -33.44% 2.18 2.12 6.085 2,834,204 219.30 Total 202 121,659,674 629,493,605 23,143 Palm Hills PHDC Real Estate 2.49 2.51 -1.18% 2.87% 44.25% 2.55 2.48 36.94 14,703,427 2,662.73 Total Market Cap Volume 386,930,989,202Value No. of Direction No. TMG Holding TMGH Real Estate 4.18 4.23 -1.40% -4.51% -7.44% 4.32 4.16 16.496 3,902,607 8,852.68 (000's) (LE 000's) Trades National Real Estate Bank NRPD Real Estate 19.42 19.66 -1.45% -1.40% -23.68% 19.95 19.41 1.98 100,624 77.86 Six of October OCDI Real Estate 21.94 22.17 -0.36% 9.05% 74.43% 22.50 21.94 4.851 218,814 2,017.55 Listed stocks 174 116,444 376,547 22,639 El Kahera Housing & Development ELKA Real Estate 6.49 6.49 -0.61% -1.22% 36.06% 6.58 6.45 0.68 104,745 612.19 Gainers Index 42 Value48,418 Daily103,698 Ch. YTD5,993 Ch. Arab Cotton Ginning ACGC Personal and Household Products 4.29 4.32 1.17% -1.82% 49.48% 4.38 4.25 20.117 4,656,474 1,130.76 EGX 30 5,732.14 -0.41% 4.94% Decliners 106 58,453 256,035 15,532 Oriental Weavers ORWE Personal and Household Products 23 22.99 -1.75% -1.33% -14.97% 23.01 22.87 0.09 3,875 2,106.00 EGX 70 487.65 -1.17% 2.22% Egyptian Tourism Resorts EGTS Travel & Leisure 1.10 1.10 -1.79% 4.76% -3.51% 1.12 1.09 2.289 2,082,148 1,176.00 Unchanged 26 9,574 16,814 1,114 EGX 100 822.60 -0.53% 2.78% EGX 20 Capped 6,683.07 -0.52% 5.38%

Volume Value No. of Direction No. (000's) (LE 000's) Trades Listed stocks 174 116,444 376,547 22,639

Gainers 42 48,418 103,698 5,993

Decliners 106 58,453 256,035 15,532

Unchanged 26 9,574 16,814 1,114 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 Daily news egypt 7 Business www.thedailynewsegypt.com Hani sari al-Din interview ‘The Guidance Office, rather than the president, rules Egypt’

By Mohamed Aiyad work towards the kind of reform that the country’s politicians had so far not Egypt has found itself at a critical been able to accomplish. This included crossroads. Consumed by political Yousef Ghali as finance minister, Mah- squabbling, we find ourselves as a moud Mahya Al-Din as investment country unable to engage in serious minister and Rashid Mohamed Rashid national dialogue. Death and injury as commerce minister. However plague our streets two years after again, the failure of these ministers to the outbreak of the Revolution, with address the country’s problems was clashes and acts of violence between rooted in their inability to tackle the protesters and security forces taking need for real institutional reform. place all over Egypt, leading to the death of our citizens and destruction Contracts, bonds and monetary of government facilities. All of this policy has put increased strain on Egypt’s With regards to the stock market, economy and its ability, or inability, to many Egyptians, according to Sari Al- provide for its citizens. Din, had reaped millions of Egyptian Amidst all this, we have asked that pounds worth of profits before the Dr. Hani Sari Al-Din analyse our cur- Revolution, not as a result of corrup- rent political state, discuss what is re- tion, but rather because the amount quired to pass legislation, and identify of money being traded exceeded EGP what factors in particular have caused 2bn each day. This however did not Egypt’s economy to disintegrate. translate into benefits for the govern- The value of Sari Al-Din’s input ment or Egypt’s production sector. stems from his extensive legal expe- Since the Revolution, Sari Al-Din has rience. Before the Revolution he was been working to settle a number of dis- known for providing legal consulta- putes related to investment contracts tion to a number of local and inter- with Arab companies. The government national companies working in the is currently embroiled in three disputes country. Recently, he has served as a with the Emirati company DAMAC re- member of the Free Egyptians party’s garding land in Jamsha on the Red Sea, political office, but currently works Hyde Park in New Cairo, and land in

as the president of the Al-Dostour Mohamed Omar the city of Sheikh Zuweid. Disputes party’s Economic Committee, one of Hany Sary Al-Din currently works as president of the Al-Dostour party’s Economic Committee and is also president of the Department of Business at Cairo arose after the New Urban Commu- the country’s most prominent opposi- University nities Authority attempted to increase tion parties that founded the umbrella the value of DAMAC’s contract from organisation known as the National seek now to do is push through the the ground up. He acknowledged that because of political and economic in- Microsoft as an example of a company EGP 140m to EGP 180m as a fine for Salvation Front (NSF). He is also presi- next round of parliamentary elec- although restructuring the Ministry of stability. Addressing these problems, that once behaved like a monopoly, late payment of previous fees, a move dent of the Department of Business tions, and then turn to reform. Interior could take up to five years, it he said, would require real national but did not raise prices for consum- DAMAC refused. Similar disputes have Law at the University of Cairo. However in their pursuance of Al- was necessary to begin doing so now. dialogue, not merely in order to pro- ers in a way that negatively affected occurred with Al-Futtaim, the Emirati Tamkin, the Brotherhood has trampled In the event of the creation of a vide political cover for the govern- the economy. real estate and construction company. The Muslim Brotherhood on Egypt’s judiciary and ignored the national salvation government, Presi- ment during negotiations with the When discussing healthcare, Sari Sari Al-Din has said that govern- According to Sari Al-Din the Muslim legitimate demands of the country’s dent Morsi would be asked to help International Monetary Fund (IMF), Al-Din stated that before passing any ment officials working on contract Brotherhood are currently an organ- various political parties. Instead of pro- to limit the influence of the Ministry but to prevent the all-out failure and new laws it would be necessary to disputes should be given impunity isation that is more concerned with viding solutions to the country’s eco- of Interior in domestic politics. The destruction of the country’s national pose a series of questions that iden- to conduct negotiations in order to securing the placement of officials nomic problems and bringing about a government needs to re-establish the institutions. tify what goals such a law is looking to quickly reach a settlement. loyal to them within state institutions, clear policy of reform, this process has people’s trust in the state’s security He went on to say that the govern- accomplish. Will this law increase the Regarding Hisham Ramez replacing than they are with the well-being of only helped to chip away at the people’s forces. This requires that they be ad- ment should never intervene in the number of people who are covered? Farouk Al-Oqda as the head of Egypt’s the state itself. Until now, we have not confidence in their government. It ap- equately equipped to go after both country’s civil, criminal and commer- Will healthcare services improve at a Central Bank, Sari Al-Din said that seen the rise of anyone within their pears that Hosni Mubarak and Mo- corruption in politics and thugs in cial courts, regardless of their orien- lower cost to the state? If these ques- Ramez was a prominent expert who ranks that is capable of stabilising the hamed Morsi have become two sides the streets. tation, and it is important to preserve tions cannot be answered then such was qualified to determine monetary country, or exerting the type of politi- of the same coin. The idea to create a national sal- the independence of the judiciary. He a law has no value. The same mindset policy. He added, however, that Ramez cal will needed to realise the simplest What first must be done, according vation government was born during pointed to information recently dis- can be applied to tax laws, he said. would need to move fast in order to dreams of the people. This includes a to Sari Al-Din, is postpone the coun- a recent meeting held between Sari covered by the public prosecutor that Will such a law increase the total balance Egypt’s exchange market and good education, the ability of recent try’s upcoming parliamentary elec- Al-Din and Mohamed Mahsub, for- granted the government the right to number of government tax receipts? reduce inflation. graduates to find a place in Egypt’s job tions, revamp the country’s election mer state minister for legal affairs and move and transfer judges from one Will it improve the general business He added that recent government market, and above all, a clean cup of laws, and create a legal committee former member of parliament. Other precinct to another for a period of up environment in Egypt and create new decisions against the sale of Egyp- water and enough food to feed a family. responsible for proposing and over- ideas such as the creation of a per- to one year. This, he said, was an ex- opportunities for investment? Or will tian companies to foreigners were The Brotherhood has not only seeing amendments to be made to manent economic affairs committee ample of the violation of the concept it work to block the influx of foreign bad and would chase off investment. been inefficient in governing, but also Egypt’s constitution. tasked with revising legislation were of checks and balances. capital? Unfortunately, in Sari Al-Din’s Contracts, he said, need to guaran- complicit in helping to administer Despite Sari Al-Din’s opposition to also floated during the meeting, but opinion, laws today have been passed tee both the rights of the state and our current crisis. The reasons for the president, he has also expressed died with the resignation of Mahsub The need for legislation haphazardly by people who are not of the investors, and that decisions this are hidden in the organisation’s his opposition to removing him from from his position as state minister. New laws needed to be passed experts in the field. This has caused to unilaterally void contracts, as op- structure, as it is not the President office, as there are presently no plau- to address these problems, he said, the Egyptian people to further lose posed to terminating them with the who rules Egypt, but rather the Broth- sible alternatives, and because such a The state of Egypt’s economy and pointing to his own experience work- faith in their government. consent of both parties, would hurt erhood’s Guidance Office, which in decision may elicit a violent reaction investment ing on legislation. During his time as the government. reality yields more power than Presi- from the Brotherhood and Egypt’s During the presidential campaign, the president of the Capital Market Previous precedents The problem, he said had to do dent Mohamed Morsi, his party, and Salafis. He added that what is needed Sari Al-Din was offered the position of Authority from 2005 to 2007 he pro- The conversation turned to review- with the inability of the government the entire Egyptian state apparatus. now is a strong opposition that can minister of industry and commerce in posed a number of laws related to ing and discussing economic problems to pass laws regulating the transfer So far, most decisions implemented pressure the president into pursuing former presidential candidate Ahmed securities and consumer protection. faced by previous governments before of ownership of companies from the by the Brotherhood’s political wing, the country’s strategic interests. Shafiq’s government, which he refused In 2003, he helped draft bank law 88, the outbreak of the Revolution, par- public to private sector. This would the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), because he did not feel that the time in addition to public-private sector ticularly those of the Nazif govern- require that the government enlist have been agreed upon behind closed National salvation government was right. Despite rumours that falsify cooperation legislation which mate- ment which in 2004 began to institute the help of international arbiters, at a doors. This has weakened state insti- Sari Al-Din went on to say that he the claim, Sari Al-Din was also offered rialised into law in 2009. a programme entitled “Reaping the high cost to the state. That being said, tutions and their ability to implement and other members of the NSF are the position of president of Egypt’s According to Sari Al-Din, these Fruits of Growth”. This programme Egypt also had a need to introduce change, leading to confusion in both currently working on the creation of Central Auditing Agency. He went laws were drafted after having con- sought to implement economic and laws aimed at reviving public sector the halls of the Shura Council and on a new economic programme aimed on to criticise the country’s current sulted with all concerned parties to financial reform that would extend to companies. According to Sari Al-Din, the streets. at helping to get the country back on economic ministers for focusing ex- take their interests into account. The the poorest sectors of Egyptian soci- acceptance of Egypt’s pending $4.8bn What Morsi must do is serve as a track. He would not go into detail re- clusively on long-term development, worst thing the executive branch of ety by establishing a complementary IMF loan was inevitable, due to the president for all Egyptians; however garding the programme, as it is still in while ignoring efforts at short-term government could do was “take it service industry funded by national sorry state of Egypt’s economy. this is not merely an empty political the works. reform. It was necessary, he said, to upon itself to force into law a piece government initiatives. Morsi’s abrupt freezing of recently statement. With the rapid deteriora- That being said, what is required address the day to day struggles of of legislation that is not supported by The programme failed, he said, be- proposed tax amendments, just a day tion of Egypt’s economy, we find our- now is the establishment of a new average Egyptians, particularly those those that it affects the most”. cause it failed to tackle the need for after their details had been distrib- selves in a race against time to quickly temporary government to serve as an employed in tourism, which has come Bank law 88, for example, was cre- serious institutional and bureaucratic uted throughout Egyptian media, was enact decisions that will foster po- alternative to Prime Minister Hesham to a halt since the outbreak of the ated after discussions were under- reform. Less than 3% of Egypt’s popu- a testament to the haphazard nature litical dialogue and national unity and Qandil in order to address the coun- Revolution in 2011. Other issues, taken with members of Egypt’s Cen- lation was expected to have benefit- in which the president’s economic help work towards the public good. try’s short term economic problems such as the closing down of factories tral Bank in addition to a number of ted from the programme, while the policy had been determined. He add- Unfortunately, the Brotherhood’s that grow worse every day. The longer and drying up of foreign currency re- smaller banks. This law, he said, partic- country’s lower class actually grew ed that the freezing of these amend- number one concern so far has been Egypt waits, the more factories close, serves, have also been the focus of Sari ularly Article 51 which discussed bank larger. Those overseeing the project ments was unconstitutional and ille- to put its supporters in positions of unemployment rises, more workers go Al-Din’s criticism. The latter in par- mergers and conflicts of interest, was had not been qualified, as the pro- gal, saying that it should require that power, based on the assumption that on strike, and security continues to de- ticular has had a devastating impact discussed over a period of five days gramme’s board of advisors lacked Parliament pass a law. this will bring about stability, which teriorate. This exacts a high social and on the economy, with Egypt’s reserves and ultimately helped insulate Egypt university professors, judges, govern- The details surrounding Islamic will allow the government to pursue political cost that prevents Egypt from losing half their value since the start from the 2008 global economic crisis. ment employees and technicians. bonds were also unclear and need- reform. They firmly believe in the pro- exercising its role in the region and in of the Revolution, putting pressure on Between 2001 and 2003 Sari Al- Attempting to undergo such a ed to be reviewed. Using religion as cess of Al-Tamkin, or overcoming ad- the world, preventing it from pursuing local currency. This has led to mass Din also provided economic and legal programme now would not be ap- a cover to impose unfair legislation, versity, which in their mind has come its strategic interests. According to Sari inflation and forced many Egyptians consultation to the economics com- propriate, said Sari Al-Din, consider- he added, threatened the interests of to mean replacing the country’s old Al-Din, one cannot rely on the ballot who rely on imports for food and fuel mittee of the National Democratic ing that the country’s middle class the state. Many aspects of the Islamic leadership with their own. Despite box to yield the best results. What to descend into poverty. party for a number of legislative laws. is too weak and its lower class too bonds law were still unclear, but per- this, what we have seen is a system must be done is to destroy the old re- He emphasised the need to pro- This included consumer protection, large. Government institutions are sonal ownership of state assets, he that has remained corrupt and barely gime in its entirety, not simply replace vide a clear legal framework for inves- financial market, and competition also not currently strong enough to continued, was illegal and would be a changed until now. select individuals within it. tors to operate within, and do what protection laws. adequately combat poverty or work line in the sand. Sari Al-Din called on The Brotherhood first began its What Egypt needs now is a new is necessary to encourage the signing When asked about policies related to turn economic theory into reality. lawmakers to review similar debates process of Al-Tamkin during the first national salvation government that of long-term contracts. This, he said, to market monopolies, he said that He did point out that the country’s surrounding bond laws in other coun- parliamentary elections, and continu- will work to improve security and was necessary to combat the policy such a system was not bad in itself, but economic ministers working under tries, saying that Egypt was not “the ing with the passing of the constitu- limit the clashes seen in our streets. of what he referred to as “trembling rather that specific practices under- the Nazif government had little politi- first country to reinvent the wheel”. tion, which as we know was not met He said this could be done by rebuild- hands”, which has led Egypt to lose taken became problematic when they cal experience, which, in Sari Al-Din’s with popular approval. What they ing Egypt’s security forces anew from large amounts of foreign investment continued unregulated. He pointed to mind, made them good candidates to Translated by Jeremy Hodge 8 Daily news egypt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 art & CUltUre Art should make a statement and Culture is what surrounds us. events reviving the art of caricatures on the town Music Fairmont Heliopolis & towers hosted Harfoush at Saigon lounge the 12th summit of the Organization Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Ahmed Harfoush’s jazzy tunes at of islamic Cooperation Fairmont Nile City. Reservations required. Fairmont Nile City Nile City Towers 2005 B Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Boulac, Cairo Tel: (02) 2461 9494 14 February 9pm

George Kazazian Oud player George Kazazian entertains crowds with a variety of genres ranging from jazz to classical Egyptian to Armenian and Indian music. El Sawy Culture Wheel End of 26th of July Street Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers hosted the 12th summit of the Organization of Zamalek, Cairo Courtsey of Mohamed Saeed islamic Cooperation (OiC) from 3 February until 7 February, the first OiC sum- Tel: (02) 2736 6178 Bab el-Khale’ mit hosted by egypt since the establishment of the organisation in 1969. 14 February 8pm The hotel hosted 27 heads of islamic states and delegations of 57 By Thoraia Abou Bakr helped me sharpen my talent and alive. The quirkiness of the caricature countries participating in the summit, among them iran’s President Baheya learn how to turn things into lines adds a unique and intriguing touch that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the first iranian president to visit egypt Photopia hosts the band Baheya, Caricatures have been a staple of and shapes on paper,” he said. invites one to take a deeper look. The since iran’s 1979 islamic Revolution. Egyptian culture since Mostafa Hus- His interest in caricatures was shading of the artwork seems very which performs Egyptian clas- sein’s brilliant creations in the Al- purely accidental however. “[I stum- simple, but a few well-placed lines can sics by Sheikh Imam and Sayed Akhbar newspaper. These days, many bled upon] a Facebook group that make or break a painting, something Darwish newspapers in Egypt boasts one or conducts a contest every week fea- Saeed knows well. The final product Photopia two caricaturists to translate daily turing a celebrity, and members are resembles more of an oil painting than 15 El Somal Sreet events into visual statements. We have asked to create a caricature of that a rough caricature sketch. painting the town red Heliopolis, Cairo grown accustomed to the squiggly celebrity in different styles.” Saeed Even though to the viewer the Tel: 012 1133 8991 lines of artists, representing famous benefited from the exposure to a va- painting seems complicated, Saeed In the past few weeks a lot of blood political figures, who are often in hot riety of styles, helping him develop says it is very “simple”. He explains: has been spilt in the country, painting 14 February 7pm water. However, Mohamed Saeed is his own. He also started to com- “People think what I do is complicat- the streets red. Funerals of young taking a more artistic approach. municate with other artists via the ed, but it is not. I usually start with a people seem to have become a dai- FilM Saeed said he has always been at- group, “asking them for advice and very rough sketch to study the shape ly occurrence; some of them went tracted to art. “I was interested in critique”. of the face; sometimes I do plenty of missing for days, only to be found Qabila Short Film Festival art since I was a little kid; my mother When asked how he picks his proj- sketches, sometimes I just block in in hospitals in dire conditions, their Qabila TV screens the winning used to give me some paper, a pencil ects, Saeed simply answered: “I draw with colours.” Saeed’s final artwork is bodies showing signs of having been short films of its Festival. The and a magazine, and I would imitate what I like…they say it comes from made by using his sketches along with tortured and abused, before they things from my own point of view,” he the heart.” It is obvious that Saeed a graphic pen tablet and Photoshop. passed away while a small child, mak- films were made by aspiring film- recalled. Without any formal training, is passionate about his work, and it Saeed currently does freelance ing a living for himself and his family makers in the Saeed proves that art can be about shows in his artwork. In his Bab El- work in his hometown Zaqaziq, but by selling roasted sweet potatoes MENA region. The jury is composed mere talent. He is self-taught and Khale’ piece Saeed pays meticulous he hopes to open up a gallery in was shot and killed. Adel Heine by Ahmed Khaled Tawfeek, Amr credits his early interest in sketch- attention to the details. The facial ex- the future and would like to teach As I was on my way to work, cated to telling the person you are Salama, Mohamed Hefzy, Muham- ing for the development of his talent. pressions of both characters are very people how to draw caricatures in thinking of all this sadness, I no- with that you love them, but all the mad “Sketching every day and anywhere animated, making the painting seem similar styles. ticed large red splashes in the rules and regulations that come Bayazid, and Sandra Nashaat. dusty city landscape and for a with Valentine’s Day make it seem moment I thought someone had a bit contrived to me. I have to be Bikya Maadi actually taken it upon himself to careful to voice this though, a casual 40 El Hadaek Street Moqattam’s hidden treasure: literally paint the streets red in aside in the office saw me accused Maadi, Cairo some form of protest. A closer of being bitter before I could say Tel: (02) 2358 5822 look proved me wrong though; stuffed animal. 14 February 8pm saint samaan church it was leading up to 14 February The truth is I am completely and gift shops had started to dis- indifferent. I grew up in a country Exhibition By Abdel-Rahman Sherief play their annual, veritable feast of where Valentine’s Day did not ex- garishness of pink and red hearts, ist, it was something I would see Hidden in the small streets of the Za- teddy bears clutching hearts in in movies and it always seemed to Alienation baleen, or the garbage collectors area, their paws, heart-shaped chairs involve a lot of pressure and ten- Sami Aboul Azam showcases a at the foot of Moqattam, the Saint Sa- and anything that professed pro- sion for everyone involved, while collection of artwork based on maan church stands as a testament to found love. The little flower ki- those who were not pressuring the feelings of alienation as a the faith of many Egyptians. osks that normally display a few each other into sexy lingerie or result of events in Modern Egypt. In 1969 when 15,000 Christian bunches of chrysanthemums and present hunting did not take the Al Masar Gallery Egyptians collectively left their a stray rose or two were filled to lack of partner very well. Numer- home villages in Assiut for Cairo the rafters with pre-made bou- ous websites host sad singles 157 B 26th of July Street to seek work and a better standard quets featuring glittering hearts, from all over the world where Zamalek, Cairo of living, the families were given their wares spilling over on the they commiserate their single- Tel: (02) 2736 8537 permission by then-president Ga- pavement. dom. They offer solace and advice 14 February 11am mal Abdul-Nasser to live in a de- Valentine’s Day is upon us and on how to get through the festi- serted area by Moqattam hill. The the American holiday seems to val of love, ranging from sending A Bride and a Horse ramshackle houses turned into the have taken a firm foothold here. yourself flowers to calling in sick Abdel-Rahman Sherief Al Kahila Art Gallery is hosting busy area now known as Mansheyet The women in town are serious and eating lots of ice cream or dis- Nasser, or Zabaleen. The amphitheatre of the church about this day from what I can patching a Happy Singles Day card. the exhibition of artist Assem The families made their living as gather from my friends and col- Yes, with over 50% of the western Abdel Fatah, whose experi- garbage collectors and made recy- nificant churches in Egypt. by the Egyptian historian Al-Maqrizi, leagues; woe betide the man who population living alone, Hallmark ments with different techniques cling into a profession. To this day The church bears the name Sa- who lived during the Fatimid era and does not splurge on heart shaped was quick to pick up on that trend. to achieve layers of lustrous every morning piles of trash are maan Al-Kharaz, or Samaan the mentioned the establishment of the cupcakes, chocolates, furry, syn- Do not get me wrong, I am all colours and vibrant hues. dumped in the area by dozens of gar- Tanner, who lived during the rule church, its name and location in his thetic animals or anything red for celebrate and let celebrate Al Kahila Art Gallery bage trucks from all around Cairo and of the first Fatimid Caliph El-Moez. chronicles. and tasteless really. It is the day and far be it from me to heap 15 El Batal Ahmed Abdel Aziz families collect garbage themselves El-Moez intended to expand Cairo; The hill behind the church is to declare undying devotion and it scorn on a holiday that is obvi- using small donkey carts in the differ- hoping to make the city the capital adorned by many colourful carved seems that a cheesy present is the ously a big deal for many. Valen- Street ent neighbourhoods of Cairo. Once of his kingdom. However, his inten- figures, displaying the passion of the accepted way to do so. tine’s Day originated as a day to Mohandiseen, Cairo the garbage is collected it is sorted tions were hampered by a large hill Christ, Christ’s journey to Egypt, Cheesy is one thing, stupid is remember Saint Valentine and I Tel: 0122 864 7511 and recycled. blocking an area where he wanted biblical verses and the Egyptian pope something very different. A few could not help but grin a little as 14 February 11am Deep inside the neighbourhood, to build. The pope of the Egyptian Shenouda. All carvings were done years ago I entered one of the wild- I passed two fully veiled girls hov- the Saint Samaan church is carved in church at that time, Abram, was by a Polish artist called Mario, who ly decorated shops in search of ering over a display of pink plas- the side of the mountain, and is the challenged by the caliph’s Jewish settled in Egypt in 1995 and was com- some wrapping paper and watched tic frames adorned with little red spiritual heart of the community. grand vizier to apply the biblical missioned by the church’s founder a puppy in a basket being wrapped hearts. Would they be as excited Construction of the church verse that states that whoever has a and current cleric Samaan Ibrahim in red gauzy fabric, sprayed with if they realised they were keeping Weather started in 1974 by the Egyp- tiny amount of faith inside his heart to carry out these artworks. hairspray and covered in red glit- a Christian tradition alive? tian cleric Samaan Ibrahim, going can move a mountain. He asked him The style of the church exploits ters. When I concernedly asked As the world shrinks we adapt Thursday, February 14 through many phases until reaching to move the hill and three days later the hill’s caves and the church’s larg- the proud present-giver when he customs from other countries as Alexandria 19°C / 9°C its current shape. The first church the pope, assisted by a tanner called est hall is an amphitheatre which intended to hand over the puppy our own and with all the death was built with steel and iron sheets. Samaan, succeeded in moving the seats around 10,000 people. The to his beloved he told me: Tomor- and sadness that has been hap- Aswan 27°C / 14°C Two years later a brick building was hill to its current place, naming it area includes playgrounds for kids, a row of course, on Valentine’s Day. pening around us lately there are Cairo 24°C / 12°C added to celebrate religious holi- Moqattam, which in Arabic means cafeteria, a library, the administration It took some doing to convince some other traditions I think we Hurghada 26°C / 13°C days. The unexpected growth of the ‘the chopped.’ A large mosaic hang- office and the monastery. The church him that the object of his affection should import. Justice might be a Luxor 26°C / 13°C church’s congregation inspired its ing above the church’s entrance dis- is open for visitors and tourists and would probably not be pleased to nice one and human rights would founders, Samaan Ibrahim and his plays the tale of the movement of its spectacular location, unique receive a starving puppy in a soiled not be so bad either; maybe not Sharm El-Sheikh 27°C / 18°C companions, to expand the church the hill. structure and style and the wonder- basket. so commercially viable but a lot Suez 18°C / 9°C to its current magnificent form and Many Egyptians believe in Samaan’s ful carvings adorning the hill make it It is nice there is a day dedi- more valuable. it has become one of the most sig- miracle and the story was preserved well worth a visit.