aily EWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013D N Issue No. 2107 newStand Price le 4.00 EGyPT www.thedailynewsegypt.com Egypt’s Only Daily Independent Newspaper In English

MeMorial for Sayed Bilal rafah church an unlikely target got Blood? Protesters mark the second Army seizes car in Rafah transporting Law3andakDam is the name of anniversary of Sayed Bilal, who died explosives and claims church was an unorthodox blood matching while in police custody target of bomb plot campaign for donors and recipients 2 3 8

ElBaradei decision causes Sukuk draft law released internal rift in al-Dostour proposed LegisLation intended to organise the financing of the Over 120 Al-Dostour Party members announce sit-in at government, state budget, nationaL projects and pubLic institutions party headquarters By Mohamed Salaheldin By ahmed aboul enein The Nobel laureate also an- The final draft of a sukuk law has been nounced he would form a new sent to the finance ministry before it Members of Al-Dostour Party have steering committee that would will be examined by parliament ac- started a sit-in at the party’s main produce periodic reports on the cording to the head of the Egyptian Fi- headquarters to protest party leader state of the party and tasked the nancial Supervisory Authority (EFSA) Mohamed ElBaradei’s recent deci- secretary general and organisation Ashraf ElSharkawy. sions to appoint new members to secretary with rectifying the party’s ElSharkawy said social dialogue with influential committees and his refusal procedural shortcomings, issuing political parties and economic associa- to dismiss others. them a 15 January deadline. tions was the perogative of the govern- Over 120 members started their The decision upset the dissenting ment and not the EFSA, which is an inde- protest on Sunday after not all their youth members who had demanded pendent entity and can be approached demands were met by ElBaradei’s re- the removal of the secretary general by political entities but not vice versa, cent statements, said party member and organisation secretary only to state-owned MENA reported Monday. Mostafa Yahia El-Safty. find them tasked with fixing problems The head of the EFSA explained A group of party members met the members said the secretaries had that the sovereign sukuk law released with ElBaradei on 27 December created. by the government was intended to 2012 and demanded the dismissal of The formation of a new steering

organise the financing of the govern- Sorbeck Winter the secretary general and the head of committee also went against their ment, state budget, national projects the submitted sukuk laws cover sovereign and corporate financial instruments the organisation secretary as well as demand to dissolve the committee and public institutions. the dissolution of the steering com- rather than replacing its members The corporate sukuk law was put Any amendments to the draft law The Egyptian Association for Fi- opposed a law drafted by the Ministry mittee. since the party already had a chair- forward by the Financial Supervisory that was also sent to the Central Bank, nancing and Investment Studies has of Finance on sovereign sukuk com- They also demanded the system- man, deputy chairman, secretary Authority and assigned by the govern- the stock market authority, Misr for presented a number of proposals pliant with Islamic Shari’a because it atic restructuring of the party due general and organisation secretary ment. Its main purpose is to organise Central Clearing and a number of fi- pertaining to the sovereign sukuk was deemed harmful to the economy to what they say was poor internal and thus had no need for a steering the financing of firms and private insti- nancial associations in the stock ex- law that was drafted by the gov- and the country’s national security. It organisation over the past for month. committee. tutions, said ElSharkawy, noting that it change should be addressed to the ernment but opposed by Al-Azhar was also considered detrimental to Al-Dostour has been without an of- ElBaradei released another state- is up to parliament to merge the two government, continued ElSharkawy. and Islamic parties. The suggested the rights of future generations as it ficial website, bank account, mem- ment on Sunday appointing nine proposed laws. The project law called “sukuk law changes were intended as a com- would allow the ownership of sukuk bership cards for founding members members as a new steering commit- He said current stock market law compliant with Islamic Shari’a” de- promise over the objections raised by foreigners and would open the and has yet to open applications for tee and formed parliamentary elec- regulations allows the trading of sov- fines sukuk as nominal financial instru- over some articles that define the door for the manipulation of fixed new members since its inception four tions preparation committee, which ereign and corporate sukuk as or- ments of equal values representing a percentage of foreign ownership in assets without real regulation. months ago. was also rejected by the dissidents dinary financial instruments. If their common share in the property of as- national projects. The matter was referred to the se- Finally, they demanded the forma- who demand such positions be de- trading required any modifications to sets, services or projects as outlined The jurisprudential studies com- nior scholars body that will convene tion a political bureau to form the cided through elections and not di- the registry rules, he would do so, he by the public offering bulletin, in com- mittee in the Islamic studies congre- before the end of the week to give a party’s positions on current events rect appointment. added. pliance with Islamic Shari’a rulings. gation affiliated to Al-Azhar has twice final opinion. and political matters. “We insist on having our de- ElBaradei had promised the dis- mands met because the problem is senting youth that he would fulfil their not about individuals but principles. demands and expressed his agree- We will enter an open-ended sit-in Night-watchman tortured in assiut ment at their blaming of the general at the party headquarters which is and organisation secretariats for the an example of democracy since we By rana Muhammad taha detained since Friday. EGP 120,000 hamed Hamed and “secret informer” tained employee, Mahmoud Abdel recent inefficiency, they claimed in a are not afraid to go against anyone was stolen from the safe. Salama Ibrahim Mohamed of brutality. Aleem, faced similar treatment. statement. even the party leader. These are ex- The family of night-watchman Hef- Ahmed’s lawyer Ahmed Badawy The Arab Penal Reform Organisa- The prosecution began formally He asked them to choose rep- actly the principles of Dr ElBara- nawy Ahmed has gathered outside said: “The safe is a metal one; only the tion coordinated with Ahmed’s moth- investigating Ahmed on Monday, four resentatives and meet with deputy dei who always says that the youth the Dayrout police station where he deputy sheriff has the key.” er in filing a report to the prosecutor days after his detention. He is officially party chairman Ahmed El-Borai on 30 should be the leaders and that they worked for the fourth day in a row, Badawy stated that the safe is in per- general and the minister of interior. accused of stealing from the safe. December to discuss their demands should be independent,” said the calling for his release. fect condition following the theft, imply- The report accused the three men of Badawy stated the prosecutor had in detail, but El-Borai later refused to statement. Ahmed went missing on Friday, ing that the deputy sheriff is a suspect. assaulting, torturing and unjustly de- repeatedly stalled the investigation. meet them, their statement said. El-Safty says they will not aban- when he left for work and didn’t Ahmed’s family visited him on taining Ahmed. Article 35 of the newly passed ElBaradei then released a state- don their sit in until all their de- return. His colleagues at the police Sunday. He told his cousin Mahmoud Badawy said: “He was suspended by constitution necessitates that the de- ment Saturday to all party members mands are met. Party member station informed his family Saturday Shafiq he was insulted, beaten up and the feet and electrocuted. I don’t care if he tained is informed of the charges he acknowledging that their disappoint- Ahmed El-Hawary however says night that he was accused, alongside tortured, without any official charges stole the money; he shouldn’t be treated is facing within 12 hours of his deten- ment was legitimate and announcing the internal dispute in the party is another employee, of stealing from brought against him. He accused police like that regardless of the reasons.” tion, and that he should be transferred a party general conference during over procedural matters and that the police station’s safe and has been officers Alaa Abdel Rahman and Mo- Badawy added that the other de- to investigation within 24 hours. which internal elections for all posi- there will be more decisions by El- tions would take place following the Baradei in the coming days that will upcoming parliamentary elections. put everyone at ease. Journalist sentenced to prison for assaulting police officer By nouran el-Behairy He added that the journalists were almost 40 metres away from the lawyers. Copts dream of a secure The Cairo Criminal court has sen- “We tried to approach them for tenced a journalist to a year in comment but the police officers forcibly Egypt at Christmas prison for assaulting a police offi- stopped us, assaulted and even ripped cer during former president Hosni the clothes of some journalists,” he said. Mubarak’s trial. Ismael said the journalists asked se- Al-Walid Ismael, the legal editor curity officials to report the incident of Al-Tahrir newspaper, said the sen- but they refused. tence came as a surprise to him as it “They kept us inside the court was issued in absentia. room and allowed the police officers Ismael said he was assigned by his who assaulted us to leave,” he said. newspaper to cover Mubarak’s trial. Board member of the press syndicate “At the verdict session, lawyers of Khaled Meery suggested writing a mem- martyrs’ family were furious because orandum about what had happened and

Mubarak’s sons along with high rank- page Facebook Ismael Al-Walid presenting it to the court head. ing security officials were declared al-walid ismael was involved in scuffles with pro-Mubarak supporters innocent.” during the trial of the former president continued on page 2

Egyptian Stock Exchange Commentary AFP Photo / Khaled DesoukiAFP Photo 6.8762 7.2064 Closing Daily Change Mahmoud Salem writes: christian orthodox women attend christmas midnight mass led by newly EGX 30 5,733.97 -0.01% elected leader of egypt’s coptic christian, Pope tawadros ii, at the al- 6.4518 6.4819 A brain drain is the logical outcome abasseya cathedral in cairo for those who have lost hope in the EGX 70 498.30 0.01% 8.3035 8.7022 country for the time being, and I, be- Coptic Christmas has its own trends Though the wishes of Coptic Egyp- ing one of those who are staying, have and traditions. From Christmas trees tians vary in the first year of an Islamist 10.2132 10.7035 EGX 100 834.65 -0.07% no ill will or recrimination towards and gifts to the prayers at St Mark’s Ca- president’s rule, the prevalent dream those who are leaving thedral, Daily News Egypt walks you is for a secure Egypt. 1.711 1.732 EGX 20 6,643.24 -0.10% Page 6 through the culture as well as religious rituals of this special celebration. feature on page 7 2 Daily news egypt TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com egyptian workers in protests scheduled against military trials tuesday Jordan offered permits Supporters of Sherif El-Hosary and Qorsaya residents to demonstrate in front of military police headquarters and High Court building Egyptian workers in Jordan afforded the opportunity By Ahmed Aboul Enein He was imprisoned by the military to make their status official under a new initiative on charges of “possessing military The No Military Trials for Civilians secrets” after a retired army briga- By Joel Gulhane of them do not have official work per- movement is calling for a demon- dier general reported him. El-Ho- mits, according to the Ministry of Labour. stration in front of the High Court sary and the general had a financial Egyptian workers in Jordan have been The two ministers met in Decem- building Tuesday in solidarity with dispute in which El-Hosary claimed given an opportunity to obtain the ber following a crackdown by Jorda- 26 Qorsaya island residents facing the general owed him money. correct paperwork to enable them nian authorities on illegal workers, military trial. Meanwhile, another A group of 13 unidentified men to work legally. which resulted in a number of Egyp- protest against military trials is searched his house on 19 Novem- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs an- tians being deported. scheduled to coincide with the trial ber and seized mobile phones and nounced the initiative on Sunday, as a The Egyptian consulate in Aqaba also of Sherif El-Hosary, a computer re- computer hard drives before ar- result of December negotiations be- released a statement on Sunday outlin- pairs shop owner, which resumes resting him. They took him to the tween the Minister of Labour Khaled ing the process for Egyptians who have Tuesday morning. military police headquarters. Azhari and his Jordanian counterpart. been deported to return to Jordan. A military court last week set a El-Hosary said the hard drives do Egyptians who are currently work- The Central Agency for Public Mo- verdict session for 14 January in a not belong to him and are the prop- ing illegally in Jordan are encouraged bilisation and Statistics announced case against the island’s residents erty of his clients, some of whom are to contact the Egyptian embassy that in the third quarter of 2012 the who are battling the military over military officers. He was detained starting from Monday. The initiative unemployment rate in Egypt stood at ownership rights to the island’s land. for 45 days during which he stood will run for sixty days. 12.5% compared to 11.9% in 2011. The 26 defendants are standing trial in front of a military court be- The deputy spokesperson for the Min- This is a marked increase from the trial on charges of resisting author- fore being released this week. istry of Foreign Affairs, Nazih El Naggary, 2009 figure which was 9.4%. Increas- ity and committing acts of violence Mohamed Sabry, a Sinai-based said that giving workers the opportunity ing domestic unemployment rates against the military after clashes be- activist and photojournalist is also

to obtain the correct paperwork is not often causes people to look for work tween the residents and the military facing military trial after he was ar- movement Trials MilitaryNo uncommon amongst Arab countries. abroad. on 18 November left one resident rested in Rafah while reporting on No Military Trials logo released in support of the Qorsaya island residents “This was announced not only to In December the Ministry of For- dead and dozens more injured. the killing of army soldiers in the show the achievement but also to en- eign Affairs urged Egyptians to stop El-Hosary’s supporters have region. Sabry is also a member of of a military facility. His trial was vilians in special circumstances “as courage people to go to the embassy to entering and working in Libya illegally. started a campaign to free him and the No to Military Trials for Civilians postponed and will resume on regulated by the law.” make their status official,” said El Naggary. The call came after 61 Egyptians were are calling for a protest in front of movement. Wednesday Over 12,000 civilians have faced There are approximately half a million detained in Libya for not having the C-28, the military police headquar- Sabry is charged with being in a Article 198 of the new constitu- military trials since the 25 January Egyptians working in Jordan and 320,000 correct documentation. ters in Cairo. military zone and taking pictures tion allows for military trials for ci- 2011 uprising.

Zewail fears for nile Hesham Qandil praises Constituent assembly Journalist sen- tenced to one University students’ future Prime Minister says the constitution is essential to Egypt’s progress year for assault- By Rana Muhammad Taha of the reports filed against them. “I By Luiz Sanchez doubt that reports were filed at all,” ing police officer Nobel Prize-winning scientist Ahmed Nassar said. Prime Minister Hesham Qandil Zewail has urged the professors of Nile University students claim they praised members of the Constitu- Continued from page 1 Zewail Science City to withdraw re- rallied around Zewail and the visitors ent Assembly on Monday during a ports they filed against Nile University he had invited in celebration of estab- ceremony honouring the assembly’s Ismael said an officer then came and students accusing them of sabotage. lishing the institute in an attempt to work on the constitution. In his ad- asked for their names, saying he would Zewail Science City earlier released speak to them. “We were physically dress, Qandil said the constitution is use them to write the report they a statement accusing Nile University attacked by the city’s security guards,” the driving force of progress into the wanted, “but eventually we found out students of verbally assaulting the city Nassar claimed. The students also next phase of the country, adding it is that they had accused us of assaulting scientists and their visitors and dam- claimed Nile University researcher comprised of “all the best parts of all officers.” aging a number of their cars Thurs- Mohamed Ismail Khedr was hit by the constitutions in the world.” He said the Press Syndicate filed a day, reported state-owned Al-Ahram. Zewail’s car as it drove off. Qandil said: “The Egyptian people report with the prosecutor general The alleged attacks took place while “We didn’t file a report against Ze- have spoken.” about the incident but nothing hap- Zewail was laying the cornerstone wail because it seems to us he’s above Qandil also thanked the Shura Coun- pened. of the Helmy Scientific Institute on the law,” Nassar said. He added that cil and addressed the nation, saying the “The police informed me that I land subject to an ownership dispute they have a video showing Zewail’s car government promises to continue to had been sentenced in absentia for between Nile University and Zewail hitting Khedr. The instant when Ze- work towards achieving growth, hap- a year in prison, when I didn’t even Science City. wail’s car allegedly hits Khedr is not piness, comfort, freedom and social know there was a lawsuit against me,”

Zewail said he was informed by the clearly depicted in the video. justice for the Egyptian people. Hassan Ibrahim Ismael said. city’s legal team that the charge of in- Zewail had invited public figures, “No decision will be made without Prime Minister Hesham Qandil praised the work of the Constituent Assembly He added that two legal counsel- tentionally destroying cars is punish- including Grand Mufti Ali Gom’a, first studying in detail whether or not lors from the syndicate and Al-Tahrir able by imprisonment; a matter which former prime minister Essam Sharaf such a decision will benefit the inter- in Egypt that would lead to a bright constitution.” newspaper will request an injunction caused him concern for the students’ and former minister of international ests of the nation.” future. The constitution was drafted in to stop the implementation of the future. He added that the students cooperation Fayza Abul Naga, to the Qandil said the members of the as- Ghariani also said that Egypt December after President Mohamed sentence. destroyed the cars in the presence of cornerstone laying ceremony at the sembly had assumed a great respon- had always been ruled from a top- Morsy’s constitutional decree in No- Ismael said: “After we stop the sen- policemen and were photographed Helmy Scientific institute on Thursday. sibility in writing the country’s con- down power structure but now the vember made the assembly immune tence we will request a retrial.” and identified. Nile University students haven’t stitution during such a critical time people themselves are the source from dissolution. Virtually every He added that this was not his “We did nothing of the sort,” Ahmed been allowed access to the disputed in Egypt’s history, noting that such a of power and it is everyone’s re- non-Islamist member of the assem- first dispute with the police: “I don’t Nassar, head of the Nile University Stu- area, despite a court ruling giving moment had never before existed. sponsibility to serve the Egyptian bly withdrew in protest. Opponents tolerate insults from police officers. dent Union, said. “If he has any evidence them permission to use the university Hossam Ghariani, the assembly people. He congratulated the as- of the constitution argue that it does They are used to treating people and against us, let him turn it in.” buildings. The dispute between Zewail chairman, said that within the next sembly members in garnering “the little to safeguard the rights of wom- especially journalists in a bad way; Nassar stated that none of the Nile Science City and Nile University has few days people would see the be- confidence of the people who vot- en, children, freedom of the press and but this was the first time I’ve been University students received notice been ongoing for almost two years. ginning of a true economic revival ed overwhelmingly in favour of the minorities. sentenced.” Memorial for sayed Bilal Small memorial held on the second anniversary of the death of Sayed Bilal while he was in police custody By Hend Kortam Saints Church on 1 January, 2011. The protesters held posters One day later, his body was handed reading, “retribution,” “we are all Graffiti memorialising Sayed Bilal over to his family. Torture marks Sayed Bilal,” and “ the presidency, has been painted and a silent vigil were found across Bilal’s body. the People’s Assembly, the referen- has been held for him, two years Bilal’s murder came less than 20 dum, the Muslim Brotherhood and after his killing by police in Alex- days before the onset of the revo- Shura Council are all void.” andria. lution. Some of the protesters covered Mahmoud El-Sayed, who is a their mouths with tape and wrote member of Nation Without Tor- In 2012, five police “retribution or chaos” and “there ture campaign, organised the me- officers were are no more words” on the sym- morial independently. sentenced to prison bolic gags. El-Sayed was joined by a handful for Bilal’s killing, four El-Sayed said: “I think Sayed Bilal of people in Mohamed Mahmoud of them in absentia. is like Khaled Said, he is one of the Street on Monday morning, where reasons of the 2011 Revolution.” they painted a huge portrait of The one officer who Om Ali, an elderly lady who Bilal, using a stencil. Those who was present in court joined the protest said she took died during the 25 January revo- requested a retrial part despite the low turnout: “Even lution are frequently honoured by and was acquitted if one person shows up, we have having their portraits painted in last month to make them two to support the Mohamed Mahmoud Street. families of the martyrs.” The group then moved to the In 2012, five police officers were steps of the Court of Cassation El-Sayed said: “There is no one sentenced to prison for Bilal’s kill- where they held a silent vigil for here from Islamist groups,” add- ing, four of them in absentia. The Bilal. At that point, there were ing that he had informed several one officer who was present in barely two dozen protesters. Islamist movements and parties of court requested a retrial and was Sayed Bilal was a Salafi from Al- the memorial. acquitted last month. exandria. He was taken into police One of the protesters, Nagla’ Abdel-Gawad does not feel that custody on 5 January, 2011 as a Hassan Ibrahim Abdel-Gawad said: “The Salafi cur- justice was served: “We still do not suspect in the bombing of the All Protesters demonstrate outside the High Court on the second anniversary of the death of Sayed Bilal rent does not mention [Bilal].” know who bombed the church.” TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 Daily news egypt 3

www.thedailynewsegypt.com Disused Rafah church el-erian quits presidential team By Hend Kortam cil, the upper house of parliament. El- of the Shura (Consultative) Council Erian added that there is a conflict of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Free- The vice-chairman of the Freedom of interest in him combining the two dom and Justice Party is the political an unlikely target and Justice Party and head of the posts because one of them falls under arm of the Brotherhood. party’s committee in the Shura the legislative authority while the oth- El-Erian has been the centre of a A bomb plot sAid to hAve been tArgeting A church Council Essam El-Erian resigned er falls under the executive authority. controversy after he made state- as adviser to President Mohamed Erian ended his statement: “I hope ments on Jews of Egyptian origin living Morsy on Sunday night. that the president understands and in Israel. He called on them to return wAs foiled by the Army Presidential spokesperson Yasser responds to my request because I to clear the way for the return of Pal- Ali said the presidency has accepted insist on it.” estinian refugees to their homeland. El-Erian’s resignation. El-Erian re- In August 2012 Morsy appointed The presidency distanced itself leased a statement on Sunday night a presidential team made up of four from the statements, saying they did stating that he had reached an agree- assistants and an advisory council. not represent the presidency and nor ment with the presidency to be re- El-Erian was appointed as one of the was it responsible for them. El-Erian lieved of his duties as adviser. members of the advisory council. He also said the statements expressed his El-Erian said the reason was be- was again appointed to the Shura personal views. cause he is very busy with his tasks Council when Morsy appointed 90 At least two complaints were as head of the Freedom and Justice members to the legislative body last filed against El-Erian as a result of Party’s committee in the Shura Coun- December. El-Erian is also a member his statements.

police in suez uncover weapons stash in cemetery Suez security forces followed an unidentified man to a weapons stash in a cemetery, man managed to escape

By Hassan Ghonema

Suez police have discovered a stash of weapons in a cemetery, which they displayed publicly on Monday. The po- lice had followed a man to the stash, however he escaped.

Nasser ElazazyNasser The stash was discovered in a cem- Disused church in Rafah which the military suggested was the target of an attack by militants caught transporting etery in the neighbourhood of Al-Ar- explosives and ammunition baeen at around 6am on Monday. The director of the criminal investigation By Nouran El-Behairy es, posted on his Facebook page that Al-Safaa neighborhood is at least department (CID), Brigadier Sami three patrol units apprehended two 500 km away from the church. Azzazy, received information that the A church in Rafah may not have been cars at 1 am in the neighborhood of El-Azazy said: “I don’t think they cemetery was being used to hide il-

the target of an alleged bomb plot that Al-Safaa. attempted to blow up the church; I licit goods. Ghonema Amr was uncovered by the armed forces. A group of masked men managed think they were just smuggling the Following the tip off, Major General Police exhibit weapons seized from a stash found in a cemetery in Suez “The Church is not used. It is only to escape in one of the two cars, explosives.” Adel Reffat sent Azzazy to the cem- ruins of a church that was damaged while the other car was captured by The military is currently engaging in etery with an undercover investiga- propelled grenades, explosives and a was believed to have been smuggled during the 25 January revolution” said the army. a sweep of the region to find the car tion unit. number of rockets approximately half to Egypt across the Libyan border. Nasser El-Azazy, a reporter in Sinai. A search of the seized car turned up that escaped. According to a police source, a man a metre in length. Weapons smuggling is rife in the Sinai activist Ahmed Abou Deraa mobile TNT cartridges, two automatic El-Azazy said that the church has carrying boxes was followed to the cem- Suez is on the route of a notorious Sinai Peninsula. Last Friday security confirmed the church was destroyed weapons, 50 rounds of ammunition, not been assigned guard units since etery and led the police to the weapons weapons smuggling route to the Sinai officials announced the seizure of on 28 January 2011 and has not been five electric detonators and a rocket the revolution, either by the police or stash. The man managed to escape the Peninsula. US-made missiles which they believe renovated since then. propelled grenade. The military sug- the army. scene with the police in pursuit. An ammunition shipment worth were headed for the Gaza strip. Colonel Ahmed Mohammed Ali, gested that the church in Rafah was Colonel Ali could not be reached The weapons stash consisted of EGP 20m was intercepted by police at the spokesperson of the armed forc- the intended target of an attack. for comment. an automatic rifle, pistols, rocket the end of November. The shipment Additional reporting by Joel Gulhane pope tawadros ii prays for egypt Morsy invites saudi The Coptic pope thanks Morsy and prays for his safety and guidance as part of Christmas celebrations king to islamic By Rana Muhammad Taha ident. The Minister of Agriculture Salah Abdel Mo’men attended on Pope Tawadros II prayed for Presi- behalf of Qandil. summit dent Mohamed Morsy’s safety and Other attendees included; for- guidance during the sermon deliv- mer presidential candidate Amr Minister of Foreign Affairs announces Morsy’s invitation to ered at St Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo Moussa, Former Minister of Tour- on Sunday, in celebration of Coptic ism Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, King Abdullah following annual bi-lateral talks Christmas. Chairman of Al-Wafd Party Al- Following the Christmas mass, Sayed Al-Badawy and head of the By Joel Gulhane in development projects in Saudi. Pope Tawadros thanked Morsy, Prime Judges’ Club Ahmed Al-Zind. He also spoke of increased efforts Minister Hesham Qandil and Head of Pope Tawadros II was officially President Mohamed Morsy has in- from both countries to increase the Shura Council Ahmed Fahmy for enthroned as the 118th pope of vited the king of Saudi Arabia, King inter-Arab investments and social sending their greetings to him and the Coptic Orthodox Church on Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, to and economic integration. all Coptic Christians. He then spoke 18 November, 2012. This Christmas attend the Islamic Summit which is about about the nativity and its values, marks his first Coptic celebration scheduled to take place in Cairo on The Islamic reported state-owned news agency as pope. 6-7 February. Summit, MENA. The Coptic Orthodox Church is Minister of Foreign Affairs Mo-

Pope Tawadros said: “We pray for Mohamed Omar the largest Christian community in hamed Amr announced Morsy’s in- organised by the Egypt. We do not pray for the lands, Newly elected leader of Egypt’s Coptic Christian, Pope Tawadros II, leads the the Arab world, making up roughly ten vitation to the media during a press Organisation but we pray for the people. May God Coptic Christmas midnight mass at the Al-Abasseya Cathedral in Cairo late percent of Egypt’s population. Over conference in Saudi Arabia with his preserve all humanity; the president on 6 January recent decades, millions of Copts Saudi counterpart Prince Saud Al- of Islamic and all officials and guide them in man- have established communities over- Faisal, according to a statement Cooperation, aging the affairs of the state and the peace in all states suffering conflicts: The presidency’s chief of staff seas in places such as North America, published by the State Information worshippers.” “Peace will not prevail until humans Refa’a Al-Tahtawi attended the Europe, and Australia. Service (SIS) on Sunday. gathers kings The Pope also delivered prayers for repent.” celebrations on behalf of the pres- Additional reporting by Basil El-Dabh The Islamic Summit, organised and heads of by the Organisation of Islamic Co- operation (OIC), gathers kings and states from the 57 heads of states from the 57 mem- member countries Us delegation to visit egypt in January ber countries. The proposed aim of the summit, according to the OIC An American delegation is due to hold meetings with government and opposition groups is to: “Take policy decisions and Speaking to state owned media provide guidance on… issues of agency Ahram on Sunday following By Luiz Sanchez preparing a committee to meet with business, but rather to gain a better NSF for holding talks with the concern to the member states and the JCC session, Amr confirmed the US representatives. understanding of the current political US delegation, saying the meet- the Ummah.” that Saudi Arabia is providing $4bn A US delegation is scheduled to The NSF committee will be com- and economical situation the coun- ing amounts to treason, but such According to the SIS the Islamic of aid to support the Egyptian arrive in Cairo on 17 January to prised of several members from dif- try is currently undergoing: “It is very views are not universally held Summit will discuss a number of is- economy. meet with several political parties ferent political parties, including the important that we maintain a healthy among Islamist groups. sues including Palestine, Syria and Amr was expected to discuss the in a bid to strengthen relations be- vice-president of the Congress Party relationship.” Absent from the talks is Al-Shaab, Islamophobia. current status of Egyptian workers tween Egypt and the US. The del- and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, NSF spokesperson Khaled Da- a Salafi party formed in October last Amr’s announcement came on in Saudi following reports of ex- egation will be headed by republican Mohamed Orabi. woud said it was important the NSF year which places emphasis on Nu- the last day of his visit to Saudi ploitation and ill-treatment. The Arizona senator John McCain and Also part of the NSF committee meet with the delegation, but had lim- bian, worker and farmer’s rights. Party Arabia to take part in the Joint Co- most notable of these cases is that comprised of members of the sen- will be the president of the Demo- ited expectations: “This is a normal spokesperson Ahmed Mawlana said operation Committee (JCC), which of Nagla Wafa who was arrested in ate and congress. cratic Front, Osama Ghazali Harb, procedure for a delegation to meet there shouldn’t be great emphasis is an annual event to facilitate bilat- 2009 and sentenced to five years The delegation will be holding the vice-president of the Wafd Par- all the political groups in Egypt. placed on the meeting. eral talks between Egypt and Saudi imprisonment and 500 lashes. talks with several political groups ty, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, and “We will explain to them our point Mawlana said:“[The NSF meeting Arabia. Writing on his official Facebook and coalitions outside government, chairman of the Egyptian Democrat- of view surrounding the current situ- the US delegation] is not a prob- During the press conference page on Saturday, Amr stressed: most notably the National Salvation ic Party, Mohamed Abu Ghar. ation in Egypt, but we also are not lem because the meeting was made Amr spoke of the importance of “The great importance [he at- Front (NSF). The spokesperson said: “The delega- calling for any foreign intervention public. If it was held behind closed Egyptian-Saudi cooperation in taches] to the issue of Egyptian A spokesperson for Amr Moussa’s tion is interested in meeting all parties.” or aid.” doors this would raise questions, serving Arab causes. political prisoners in Saudi Arabia.” Conference Party, which is a member He added that they were not in Several leading Salafi figures but this applies to everyone, not Al-Faisal expressed appreciation He added that the issue would be of the NSF, confirmed that the front is Cairo to broker any deals or to do have reportedly lashed out at the just the NSF.” for the role of Egyptian workers discussed over the next few days. 4 Daily news egypt TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com

Obama set to nominate Delhi gang-rape accused in Hagel as defence secretary

Washington (AFP) - US President speak bluntly. court for first time Barack Obama is poised to nomi- In a recent interview with the nate Chuck Hagel as his new de- history magazine Vietnam, he de- New Delhi (AFP) - Five men appeared “It has become completely impos- fence secretary on Monday, but nied he was a pacifist. in court for the first time on Monday sible for the courtroom proceedings Republicans are signalling a fierce “I believe in using force, but over the murder and gang-rape of a 23 to proceed,” Aggarwal said in an order confirmation fight even though he only after a very careful decision- year old student in New Delhi amid that forced all journalists and lawyers is one of their own. making process,” he was quoted by chaotic scenes that forced the hearing not connected with the case to vacate Obama has decided he wants the magazine as saying. “I will do behind closed doors. the stuffy court room. the 66-year-old former Republican everything I can to avoid needless, A court source told AFP that two The accused, who could face the senator to succeed Leon Panetta senseless war.” of the men had offered to cooper- death penalty if convicted, are charged at the Pentagon and will make his Hagel has angered many in ate with prosecutors in exchange for with rape, murder and kidnap. A sixth announcement on Monday, an ad- Washington by remarks made in more lenient sentences in a case that accused, who is 17, is to be tried in a ministration source told AFP, con- a 2006 interview with author and has sparked three weeks of protests separate court for juveniles. firming US media reports. former State Department official and soul-searching about endemic The next hearing has been set for Obama is also expected to an- Aaron David Miller, in which he

sex crime in India. Thursday. / Sajjad Hussain AFP Photo nounce who he has chosen to re- spoke about the power of the Is- The suspects, residents of New Though gang-rapes are common- Indian police personnel stand guard at an entrance to Saket District Court place David Petraeus at the helm raeli lobby in the US capital. Delhi slums aged from 19 to 35, were place in India, the case has touched in New Delhi of the CIA, with acting director “The Jewish lobby intimidates a brought to the court complex from a nerve, leading to three weeks of Michael Morell and counter-ter- lot of people up here,” Hagel said, the capital’s high-security Tihar jail sweeping introspection on India’s at- Sharma, labourer Akshay Thakur and without a proper trial,” Supreme rorism adviser John Brennan seen but “I’m a United States senator. I’m under high security due to fears for titudes to women, its often insensitive fruit-seller Pawan Gupta. Court lawyer M L Sharma, who has of- as the frontrunners, CNN said. not an Israeli senator.” their safety. police force and dysfunctional justice A court source, speaking to AFP fered to represent the men, told AFP. Despite the fact that Hagel is If confirmed by the Senate as “A chargesheet has been provided system. on condition of anonymity, said that Legal experts say the magistrate a fellow Republican, party heavy- Pentagon chief, Hagel will have to the accused and the next hearing It often takes years to bring a case Thakur and Gupta had asked to be- Aggarwal will likely transfer the case weights scenting blood in bitterly- to manage major cuts to military will be on 10 January,” magistrate to court, but the fast-tracked legal come witnesses to the crime and co- to a higher court for trial. divided Washington have accused spending while wrapping up the US Namrita Aggarwal told reporters af- proceedings are getting under way operate with prosecutors. Outlining their case before the him of hostility toward Israel and war effort in Afghanistan and pre- ter the brief hearing. barely a week after the 23-year-old Police have pledged “maximum se- same court in Saket on Saturday, pros- naivety on Iran, auguring a tough paring for worst-case scenarios in She earlier ordered the hearing to medical student died of her injuries curity” during the hearing at the court ecutors said there was DNA evidence nomination process ahead. Iran or Syria. take place behind closed doors after in a Singapore hospital. amid fears for the defendants’ safety. to tie the defendants to the crime The top Republican in the Sen- journalists and lawyers packed the She had been out to watch a film A man was arrested last week as he scene, as well as testimony from the ate, Mitch McConnell, praised Ha- “The Jewish lobby tiny courtroom which had chairs for with her boyfriend when they were allegedly tried to plant a crude bomb boyfriend who witnessed the assault. gel when he left his Nebraska seat intimidates a lot of about 30 people but was struggling to lured onto a bus where the gang are near the home of one of the men. “The blood of the victim tallied in 2009 for his “clear voice and stat- accommodate about 150. accused of repeatedly raping and vio- Lawyers at the Saket court com- with the stains found on the clothes ure on national security and foreign people up here,” Ha- Some lawyers staged noisy protests lating her with an iron bar, causing plex have decided to refuse to defend of the accused,” said Rajiv Mohan, part policy,” but his tone was markedly gel said in 2006, but against the suspects being given defence horrific internal damage. the accused, ignoring pleas from In- of the prosecution team. different on Sunday. counsels after two Supreme Court advo- The defendants have been named dia’s chief justice that the suspects be There have been widespread calls “He ought to be given a fair hear- “I’m a United States cates stepped forward offering to defend as Ram Singh, a bus driver, his broth- given a fair trial. for the attackers to be hanged, includ- ing like any other nominee, and he senator. I’m not an the men in order to ensure a fair trial. er Mukesh Singh, gym assistant Vijay “No person should be hanged ing from the victim’s family. will be,” McConnell told ABC. “I’m going to wait and see how the hear- Israeli senator.” ings go and whether Chuck’s views square with the job he would be Administration appointments syria opposition and west reject assad ‘peace plan’ nominated to do.” are often tense affairs in the United But over on CNN, leading Re- States as the confirmation hearings Damascus (AFP) - A defiant speech troops are bombarding rebel posi- publican Senator Lindsey Graham provide senators with opportuni- by President Bashar Al-Assad calling tions. Five people, including four did not shy away from a full-frontal ties to turn away unwanted can- for peace in Syria on his terms has members of the same family, were attack, saying Hagel would be “the didates or score cheap political met rejection by the opposition and killed in shelling on Kfar Batna to the most antagonistic defence secre- points, or both. internationally, with only his ally Iran east, the observatory said. tary towards the state of Israel in Unyielding opposition from Gra- on Monday backing his stance. In the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, our nation’s history. ham and two other top Republi- Assad’s plan was“detached from re- one soldier who had defected was “Not only has he said you should cans, senators Kelly Ayotte and ality,” a US State Department spokes- killed in fighting near a local political directly negotiate with Iran, sanc- John McCain, last month derailed woman said, while Britain said Assad’s security branch office. tions won’t work, that Israel must the ambition of US envoy to the address was “empty” and France said The United States and Europe, which negotiate with Hamas, an organ- United Nations Susan Rice to be- it was an attempt “to justify the re- have declared the National Coalition isation, terrorist group, that lobs come the next secretary of state. pression of the Syrian people.” the “legitimate representative” of the thousands of rockets into Israel. Rice, a longtime member of The office of EU foreign policy chief Syrian people, are pressing Assad to “He also was one of 12 sena- Obama’s inner circle, had been a Catherine Ashton said Europe’s posi- leave power as the first step to any tors who refused to sign a letter favourite to succeed Hillary Clin- tion remained that Assad should step process to restore peace in Syria. to the European Union trying to ton as the nation’s top diplomat. down to permit a political transition. But with Russia and China block- designate Hezbollah as a terrorist But her role as administration

Egyptian President Mohamed / Stringer AFP Photo ing any UN-approved international organisation,” Graham said. defender over the attack that Morsy told CNN he would endorse A dummy dressed up in army fatigue and a mask depicting Syrian President action against Assad’s regime, the Hagel would be an “in-your- killed the US ambassador to Libya any decision by the Syrian people to Bashar Al-Assad is erected in the Salaheddine neighbourhood of Aleppo Syrian war is slipping ever deeper face” and “incredibly controver- in Benghazi on 11 September drew put Assad on trial before the Interna- into bloodshed with fears of lasting sial choice” by Obama that would her into a furious row with Repub- tional Criminal Court for war crimes. to the UN, and created a well of in- become a civil war. sectarian fractures. probably represent a “bridge too licans keen to dent Obama after his The opposition Syrian National stability exploited by Islamic jihadists “His initiative is detached from Although the toll has climbed sharp- far” for him and a lot of other Re- re-election victory. Rice folded her Coalition noted that Assad had ruled and fuelled by regional rivalries. reality” and was another attempt “to ly in the past six months, and the rebels publicans, he said, before adding bid on 13 December. out any dialogue with the rebels, mak- Any resolution of the conflict had cling to power,” US State Department have grabbed swathes of rural terri- that the hearings would provide the It is unusual for presidential ing negotiations impossible. to be purely Syrian, Assad said, though spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. tory, the war has become a grinding expected nominee with a chance to nominees for cabinet posts to be Only Iran, which is supplying mon- he called those Syrians ranged against British Foreign Secretary William impasse punctuated by shelling, regime “set some of this straight.” voted down by the Senate, and ey, military advisers and, according to him “not a loyal opposition but a gang Hague said the speech was full of “emp- air strikes and by car bombs set off by Another Republican senator, Obama’s Democrats currently the United States, weapons to Assad’s of killers.” ty promises” and would “fool no one.” an increasingly radicalised insurgency. John Cornyn of Texas, said he would hold the potentially decisive ma- regime threw its weight behind its ally. He stated that most of the anti-re- French foreign ministry spokes- Efforts by the joint UN-Arab oppose the nomination, charging it jority in the upper house. “The Islamic republic... supports gime fighters were foreigners, and said: man Philippe Lalliot said on Monday: League peace envoy, Lakhdar Brahi- would be the “worst possible mes- Should Republicans choose to President Bashar Al-Assad’s initia- “The one thing that is sure [is] that “Bashar Al-Assad’s remarks show mi, have made no more headway than sage we could send to our friend use an obstructive tactic known as tive for a comprehensive solution to those who we face today are those once again his denial of reality in which those of his predecessor, Kofi Annan, Israel and the rest of our allies in the filibuster to prevent the mat- the country’s crisis,” which rejects who carry the Al-Qaeda ideology.” he has shut himself away to justify the who resigned in frustration. the Middle East.” ter from being brought to a vote, “foreign interference,” Iranian For- But while his plan calling for an end repression of the Syrian people.” Pope Benedict XVI on Monday re- Hagel, a decorated Vietnam vet- Obama would only need to woo a eign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said in to violence, dialogue with opposition On the day of Assad’s speech, an- newed his call for a ceasefire and dia- eran, is known for a fiercely inde- handful of their number to see his a statement on his ministry website. elements he deemed acceptable, and other 91 people were killed across logue to halt the “endless slaughter” pendent streak and a tendency to nominee confirmed. Assad, in his first speech in seven a vow to stand fast against those he Syria, according to the British-based and civilian suffering in Syria. months, on Sunday outlined his vision branded “terrorists” and their foreign watchdog the Syrian Observatory for The conflict, he said, “will know no for a way out of the 21-month conflict backers drew wild applause from his Human Rights. victors but only vanquished if it con- that has shattered his country, killed Damascus audience, it offered little Combat continued unabated on tinues, leaving behind it nothing but a more than 60,000 people according realistic prospect of ending what has Monday outside Damascus, where field of ruins.” Daily news egypt Bahrain appeals court upholds jail for 13 opposition leaders As a valued DNE newspaper reader, please e-mail our circulation manager to activate Manama (AFP) - Bahrain’s highest ap- “The judgments confirm the need for The 13 activists took part in 2011 The rights watchdog had called them peals court on Monday upheld prison radical reform” in the government that anti-government protests and were con- “prisoners of conscience” who should your subscription terms for 13 prominent activists on sentences “dissenting opinion to life im- victed by a military tribunal on charges be freed immediately. charges of plotting to overthrow the prisonment,” tweeted Ali Salman, head that included “setting up terror groups Since February 2011, Bahrain has monarchy, lawyers said, in a verdict the of Bahrain’s main Shi’a opposition bloc to topple the regime”. been shaken by opposition protests that [email protected] opposition warned would fuel unrest. Al-Wefaq. The defendants were retried in a civil the authorities say are being fuelled by The Court of Cassation rejected the “The revolution continues and the court. Iran across the Gulf. appeals of the 13 opposition leaders, sentences of leaders energise it,” wrote Seven other activists sentenced in ab- At least 80 people have died since the Subscription Period: Discount: Final Price: = per copy: seven of whom have been jailed for life, Salman on his official account on Twitter, sentia to various jail terms on the same start of the unrest, according to the In- 1 to 25 daily copies: the lawyers said. also urging the court to drop the charges charges remain at large. ternational Federation of Human Rights. Among those serving life terms is against the defendants. In September, a lower appeals court The Sunni-ruled kingdom, home Six Months: 12% LE 458 LE 3.52 well-known activist Abdulhadi Khawaja, “Appointed government will fall and upheld life sentences for seven of the to the US Fifth Fleet and strategically Twelve Months: 14% LE 898 LE 3.44 who last year embarked on a hunger the prisoners will get their freedom... activists, all Shi’a, including Khawaja, Mas- situated across the Gulf from Iran, has 26 to 100 daily copies: strike to protest his imprisonment, finally soon,” he wrote. haima and Singace, and jail terms ranging continued to witness sporadic Shi’a-led 20% LE 422 LE 3.20 ending his protest in June after 110 days. Witnesses told AFP that Bahraini po- from five to 15 years for the others. demonstrations, mostly outside the cap- Six Months: Two others sentenced to life are lice were heavily deployed around the In November, Amnesty International ital, since it crushed the protest move- Twelve Months: 25% LE 792 LE 3.00 Hassan Mashaima, head of the Shi’a op- court on Monday as several opposition urged Bahrain to release the 13 jailed ment in March 2011. 101 and more daily copies: position Haq movement and Abduljalil leaders staged a protest nearby, chanting, activists, saying doing so would prove The opposition insists that the pre- Six Months: 30% LE 369 LE 2.80 al-Singace, a member of the same group. “we demand the release of the prison- the Gulf monarchy is “genuinely com- mier stand down and that the govern- The opposition swiftly condemned ers” and “we will not forget the prison- mitted” to reform and the respect of ment be headed by the leader of the Twelve Months: 40% LE 633 LE 2.40 the verdicts. ers.” human rights. elected majority in parliament. TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 Daily news egypt 5 Business www.thedailynewsegypt.com egas to discuss new pricing Railway authority announces new mechanisms of natural gas level crossings By Ahmed Tolba Contracts up for tender to improve railway safety Egypt’s natural gas holding company EGAS has begun planning a series of The project also will include im- meetings to be held with business- By Hend El Behary proved signalling systems. men and members of industry to The government had a contract help identify appropriate ways to set The National Authority for Egyptian with Crinks Indian Company to de- natural gas prices for high consump- Railways (NAER) has announced for velop 50 level crossings in 2008 and tion factories, in particular those tender the development of 150 bar- 136 level crossings in 2009. producing steel, iron and cement. riers at train stations, as a response Deputy head of NAER ,Yehya Ibra- An official within EGAS clarified to a Ministry of Transport request to him, said: “The caretaker Minister Of that these meetings came as part of develop level crossings. Transport Tarek Wafiq has called on an attempt to help reassure mem- The project is divided into six the minister of development to direct bers of Egypt’s industrial commu- groups of 25 barriers, and each bid- 12 governors to change 27 barriers nity about the sound nature of new ding company is expected to develop into overhead bridge and tunnels.” measures being used to determine a maximum of two groups. Ibrahim said Wafiq asked the gov- natural gas prices. He added that the Barriers are planned to be funded ernors to clear all obstacles in the company “would soon agree to pri- by the NAER, at a cost of EGP 200m. path of the development, such as vate sector demands to import more The project is expected to install street vendors and large markets. This natural gas and sell it on the Egyptian lights and bells, which will work au- plan is intended to be completed by market by 13 January, as part of a tomatically when a train approaches. the end of 2013. set of conditions for a new round

of bidding stipulated by EGAS late Supinsky / Sergei AFP Photo last year.” Egypt’s natural gas holding company is looking at ways to structure natural gas prices for high consumption factories The source further went on to say that the finalisation of all private fusion regarding contracts already crease in the price of natural gas for other factories is set to begin eastern Company (eC) to sector demands and eventual award- signed between factory owners and for contracts made between EGAS during the period in which new rates ing of contracts would be concluded EGAS. Many of these contracts stipu- and Egyptian factories, in order to are determined during meetings be- regain market share and within the next month, in concur- late that high consumption factories match current import price levels. tween factory owners and EGAS. rence with the establishment of the are set to receive natural gas at $4 These prices would serve as the State-owned electrical stations, in volumes to recover on country’s first national agency tasked per million BTU, a price far lower standard for Egypt’s new national addition to natural gas allotted for with selling, distributing and setting than both the world average and ex- agency tasked with selling and dis- use in cars and homes, will be exempt prices for natural gas in Egypt. pected price of newly imported gas. tributing natural gas.” from future price increases as they reduced smuggling The distribution of all imported He emphasised the need to quickly Gas prices for steel, iron and ce- come in concurrence with govern- natural gas is set to begin in May, at an reach a solution in order to prevent ment factories are expected to rise ment plans to restructure its subsi- Expected tax hikes to be passed on and an average FCF yield of c17% expected rate of anywhere between more than one market price for to $6 per million BTU, and are to be dies programme. The restructuring to consumers due to pricing flex- and dividend yield of 9.6% in 1,500 and 2,000 cubic feet per day. natural gas. implemented with the onset of the of the programme seeks to better ibility and inherent inelasticity of FY14–17e as the company’s an- The official added that these meet- The source said: “Any agree- distribution of newly imported natu- direct subsidies to those industries demand nual CAPEX bill is cut down to ings would also seek to address con- ment would require a gradual in- ral gas. The fluctuation of gas prices that truly need them. Cut in CAPEX bill to boost FCF, cEGP300m from FY13e’s EGP1bn. leading to an average yield of c17% Most of EC’s leasing contracts are Resume coverage with an Over- expected to end in FY19e, which weight rating and TP of EGP117.3/ implies even higher yields in the share, which implies a 22% potential long term. Ministry of electricity considers return HC resumes coverage on EC HC expects EC’s revenue to with an Overweight recommenda- grow at a FY13–17e CAGR of 5% tion and a TP of EGP117.3/share hydrocarbon dependence as its volumes start to pick up due (22% upside). The stock is cur- to tightened government control of rently trading at a FY13e P/E of The Ministry of Electricity seeks to embark on new nuclear programme and establish coal-fired plants in Port Safaga smuggling in addition to a fairly sta- 6.2x, which, accounting for earnings ble national smoking rate. HC sees growth, represents a 58% discount By Salah El-Monoufi are expected to provide energy to plants throughout the country. These sources stated that the com- that a potential tax hike could bode to the implied multiple based on Egyptian electrical stations producing A recent study selected the city of pany that wins the contract will be re- well for the company as it might global peers. The company’s vacat- The Ministry of Electricity is consid- between 900 and 1,000 megawatts of Safaga as the site for future construc- sponsible for importing the required result in an increase in ex factory ed facilities, which they do not in- ering plans aimed at decreasing the electricity each.” tion of the region’s first coal-fired amount of coal necessary to operate prices,Markets supported by No.the inelasticVolume- clude Value(LE)in their valuation, Tradesconstitute country’s power stations’ reliance on The cabinet has made plans to dis- power plant, which will include three the plan, pointing to the Ministry of ity of demand for cigarettes, in line a key long-term catalyst and would natural gas and mazut, a heavy and low cuss measures to hold a bid round for steam units that could provide an es- Electricity’s five year plan that seeks with Listedwhat HC saw 176in FY11126,414,664 and add EGP24/share503,019,601 or an additional27,841 quality engine fuel, in order to address the rights to construct nuclear power timated 650 megawatts. to employ the private sector to help FY12.Stocks HC conservatively174 assumes126,389,554 25% upside476,140,093 to the current27,839 market continual energy shortages. plants in the Al-Dabaa region, on the Sources within the holding com- increase the amount of energy avail- that growth in retail and ex factory price. The valuation of the facilities, Sources within the ministry said: condition that the contracted com- pany stated: “Investments for these able on Egypt’s national grid by 5,500 pricesPDBonds will only partially2 offset in25,110- which management26,879,508 now believes2 “The project includes plans to wean pany is responsible for organising and plants are expected to reach $2bn, megawatts. creasesBonds in raw material costs,0 which 0 to be conservative,0 was done0 by Egypt’s electrical stations off mazut providing 80% of all necessary con- and will be provided to the sector The ministry had already received will cause margins to drop to 31.4% an independent asset valuator in and natural gas, and revive the coun- struction funding. Meanwhile, Egypt’s itself for the establishment of the proposals from the Chinese Shanghai in FY17eNilex from 35.8% in7 FY12. 175,9802009. Management506,877 does not92 con- try’s nuclear energy programme. This electric holding company began con- plant’s administrative infrastructure, Corporation and a number of Egyptian EC OTCoffers attractive10 FCF and295,477 sider selling10,784,730 the facilities to30 be an will help address the energy shortage ducting a series of studies analysing in exchange for promises from the investors to establish a coal-fired elec- dividend yields. HC expects a option in light of current economic in Egypt’s power grid by establishing the economic and logistical feasibil- government to purchase the entirety trical plant after President Mohamed FY13–17eDeals FCF CAGR10 of 38%295,477 conditions.10,784,730 30 four new nuclear power plants, which ity of constructing coal fired power of the plants’ electricity output.” Morsy’s visit to China last summer. Orders 0 0 0 0 Total 193 126,886,121 514,311,208 27,963 Daily EGX30 index performance Total Market Cap 388,171,215,848

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 36.85 36.89 0.90% 6.71% 92.24% 37.09 36.60 14.94 404,966 21,834.64 EGX 30 5,733.97 -0.01% 4.97% NSGB NSGB Banks 34.92 35.00 -0.48% -0.60% 69.16% 35.12 34.89 1.846 52,739 15,599.16 Ezz Steel ESRS Basic Resources 10.65 10.69 -0.28% 7.65% 193.68% 10.90 10.48 19.25 1,800,241 5,823.80 EGX 70 498.30 0.01% 4.45% ELSWEDY ELECTRIC SWDY Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 23.01 23.10 -1.20% 0.83% 10.00% 23.23 23.00 1.690 73,165 5,223.51 EGX 100 834.65 -0.07% 4.29% Markets No. Volume Value(LE) Trades MRRIDIVE MOIL Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 1.18 1.18 -1.67% 1.72% -1.67% 1.20 1.17 7.97 1,058,974 430.08 EGX 20 Capped 6,643.24 -0.10% 4.75% AIC Contracting AIND Financial Services excluding Banks 0.48 0.49 0.00% 4.26% -7.55% 0.50 0.48 1.764 3,603,128 261.97 Listed 176 126,414,664 503,019,601 27,841 Amer Group Holding AMER Financial Services excluding Banks 0.67 0.67 0.00% 4.69% 21.82% 0.68 0.66 4.32 6,462,087 2,036.60 Stocks 174 Market126,389,554 Brief 476,140,093 27,839 EK Holding EKHO Financial Services excluding Banks 1.28 1.30 -1.52% 1.56% 35.42% 1.31 1.28 3.196 385,547 1,107.87 PDBonds 2 25,110 26,879,508 2 MarketsBonds No.0 VolumeVolume0 Value(LE)Value0 No.Trades0 of EFG-Hermes HRHO Financial Services excluding Banks 11.51 11.60 0.87% 5.36% 18.25% 11.75 11.45 46.56 4,013,813 5,500.39 Direction No. Nilex 7 175,980 506,877 92 Pioneers Holding PIOH Financial Services excluding Banks 4.94 5.02 -0.79% 3.29% 125.11% 5.13 4.91 6.891 1,371,505 2,530.00 Listed 176 126,414,664(000's) (LE503,019,601 000's) Trades27,841 OTC 10 295,477 10,784,730 30 Citadel Capital CCAP Financial Services excluding Banks 4.17 4.16 1.71% 10.05% 66.40% 4.21 4.07 30.43 7,321,761 2,673.71 ListedStocksDeals stocks 17417410 126,389,554126,390295,477 476,140,09310,784,730476,140 27,83927,83930 Raya Holding RAYA Technology 5.76 5.84 -2.01% 3.18% 67.34% 6.01 5.70 2.220 379,767 382.77 Orders 0 0 0 0 Telecom Egypt ETEL Telecommunications 14.49 14.49 0.14% 2.40% 7.33% 14.52 14.35 9.53 657,748 24,701.33 PDBonds 2 25,110 26,879,508 2 GainersTotal 19363 126,886,12163,448 514,311,208272,735 15,84627,963 Orascom Telecom Media And Technology OTMT Telecommunications 0.57 0.58 -1.69% 5.45% 67.98% 0.60 0.57 11.985 20,696,758 3,094.96 TotalBonds Market Cap 0 0 388,171,215,8480 0 Orascom Telecom ORTE Telecommunications 4.19 4.21 0.00% 6.05% 143.58% 4.25 4.15 25.55 6,074,554 22,084.36 Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals SKPC Chemicals 13.60 13.65 0.59% 3.02% 15.38% 13.71 13.60 1.248 91,454 7,124.25 DeclinersNilex 897 175,98042,157 167,578506,877 10,13192 Egyptian Financial and Industrial EFIC Chemicals 10.31 10.43 0.19% 5.14% 17.19% 10.63 10.30 3.70 355,209 721.43 Index Value Daily Ch. YTD Ch. UnchangedOTC 1022 295,47720,784 10,784,73035,827 1,86230 AMOC AMOC Oil and Gas 73.15 73.42 -0.18% 0.31% 7.32% 74.00 73.10 0.570 7,770 6,332.66 EGX 30 5,733.97 -0.01% 4.97% Deals 10 295,477 10,784,730 30 Juhayna Food Industries JUFO Food and Beverage 7.76 7.81 -1.51% 1.56% 100.26% 7.93 7.76 0.31 40,093 5,599.01 EGX 70 498.30 0.01% 4.45% Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) OCIC Construction and Materials 266.00 266.06 -0.02% 5.43% 32.49% 268.32 264.50 17.447 65,576 55,602.69 OrdersEGX 100 0 834.650 -0.07%0 4.29%0 EGX 20 Capped 6,643.24 -0.10% 4.75% Delta Construction & Rebuilding DCRC Construction and Materials 6.62 6.64 -0.75% 6.41% -16.79% 6.71 6.51 1.31 197,890 154.58 Total 193 126,886,121 514,311,208 27,963 Modern Co. For Water Proofing WATP Construction and Materials 1.87 1.87 -1.06% 4.47% -23.05% 1.90 1.85 1.091 582,746 192.78 Total Market Cap Volume 388,171,215,848Value No. of Palm Hills PHDC Real Estate 2.56 2.58 0.39% 5.74% 136.70% 2.65 2.54 66.70 25,807,924 2,694.18 Direction No. TMG Holding TMGH Real Estate 4.66 4.70 -0.42% 6.09% 63.76% 4.76 4.64 12.246 2,607,806 9,740.01 (000's) (LE 000's) Trades National Real Estate Bank NRPD Real Estate 21.02 21.18 0.52% 6.22% 9.63% 21.92 20.83 2.89 136,205 82.23 Listed stocks 174 126,390 476,140 27,839 Six of October OCDI Real Estate 21.65 21.67 -1.01% 6.59% 187.78% 22.05 21.25 8.916 411,385 1,984.91 Gainers 63 63,448 272,735 15,846 El Kahera Housing & Development ELKA Real Estate 6.58 6.62 -1.34% 0.76% 69.31% 6.75 6.50 3.25 490,758 629.06 Index Value Daily Ch. YTD Ch. Arab Cotton Ginning ACGC Personal and Household Products 4.36 4.40 -2.22% 0.00% 104.65% 4.49 4.33 18.953 4,308,897 1,191.67 DeclinersEGX 30 89 5,733.9742,157 167,578-0.01% 10,1314.97% Oriental Weavers ORWE Personal and Household Products 24 24.00 -0.83% 3.00% -14.71% 24.01 23.99 0.52 21,793 2,178.00 UnchangedEGX 70 22 498.3020,784 35,8270.01% 1,8624.45% Egyptian Tourism Resorts EGTS Travel & Leisure 1.11 1.11 0.91% 5.71% 30.59% 1.12 1.09 3.273 2,960,272 1,155.00 EGX 100 834.65 -0.07% 4.29% EGX 20 Capped 6,643.24 -0.10% 4.75%

Volume Value No. of Direction No. (000's) (LE 000's) Trades Listed stocks 174 126,390 476,140 27,839

Gainers 63 63,448 272,735 15,846

Decliners 89 42,157 167,578 10,131

Unchanged 22 20,784 35,827 1,862 TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 6 Daily news egypt Disclaimer: Commentaries published by Daily News Egypt do not reflect the position of the paper, but the independent www.thedailynewsegypt.com commentary opinions of their authors.

rebel economy WraP a generation of atheists will egypt’s new finance “Son, it is time for Friday prayers, you This is why it is widely believed that will be late.” Egyptians are religious “by nature”. “I am not going.” Regardless of whether the family minister be open to discussion? “What? Why?” is conservative or not, religious or “I am just...not going. I will pray not, Friday prayers are above ques- Is a public finance professor who spe- He adds, though “Kuran’s thesis is here at home.” tion for Egyptian boys; they must go. cialises in Islamic finance really the CV contentious; it does provide us with And a discussion began where Call it tradition, hidden religiosity, or that jumps out at you for Egypt’s criti- an incentive to reformulate Islamic my friend pushed to know why her even hypocrisy if you like, but this is cal post of finance minister? law. It is an excellent starting-point 17-year-old refused to go to mosque. who we are. Not really. for a debate long overdue.” After much coaxing, the boy said: We send our children to interna- But to President Mohamed Morsy, The question(s) I have is: Will “Why should I go where the imam tional schools which give the worst the unknown Cairo University pro- Mr Hegazy be open to debate or keeps making me feel like an atheist, Arabic and religious education possi- rana allam fessor Al-Morsy Al-Sayed Hegazy was will his thought process be driven where my political ideology is under ble, so we get private tutors to teach the right choice to replace Momtaz by his boss Morsy and the Muslim question and evaluated from a reli- them religion. Regardless of how every imam of every mosque, and El-Saeed, an advocate of the $4.8 bil- Brotherhood? gious perspective, with the conclu- irreligious we are, this is what we pick a suitable rhetoric? Or should lion International Monetary Fund loan. The Morsy administration’s big- sion that I am an atheist?” do. We want our children to know we drop this religious education al- Saeed had been one of a few ministers Farah halime gest failing has been to lead the My friend stopped there. She was their religion and we want them to together? to retain his position since his appoint- Islamists rather than the country. cornered and her son doesn’t go to be as good as they should be when Now mothers are wondering ment to Kamal El-Ganzoury’s interim The law has not evolved and ad- There is no space for such polarisa- the mosque anymore. it comes to their relationship with what happens when their sons stop government in December 2011. justed to the new world of business tion in a modern economic frame- Another similar incident was with God. We are a people who believe going to mosque every week. What Hegazy, whose political experience and finance. It’s not an impassioned work. Islamic finance is not going to a mother of a 13-year-old, where in heaven and hell, reward and pun- happens if the religious curriculum appears to have only just started, may critique of Islamic law but more of a save Egypt’s economy but can play a her son refused to pray because ishment, sin and good deeds. We live at schools is modified to fit the ultra find it difficult to reconcile his Islamic reflection of how Shari’a essentially part in redefining the country’s aims the imam kept slandering unveiled by the saying that “good deeds erase right-wing, conservative and mostly finance specialisation with the mod- lacks innovation and does not fit the – a focus on the middle and lower women and the boy couldn’t take your sins”, and we do both; we sin at distorted ideology of our rulers? ern economic framework needed to 21st century. classes rather than the rich, and a any more insults to his mother. night and wake up to Friday prayers, What happens when our children push Egypt out of its economic lull. However, there is a catch to the method of relieving the millions who Religious education of their kids hoping for God’s mercy! are pushed away from their religion? In his book The Long Divergence: idea as Ziauddun Sardar, who re- are suspicious of conventional banks can be the biggest challenge fac- A shocking moment for me was Our rulers are letting those who How Islamic Law Held Back the viewed the book, writes in The In- and their high interest rates. ing middle class Egyptian women, when my 12-year-old suddenly start- defame and deform our religion Middle East, Timur Kuran argues dependent: If Egypt’s new finance minister specifically their boys because they ed disrespecting sheikhs. Although I speak in mosques and on television. that the real cause of underdevel- “It is based on the assumption that lasts long enough to make any criti- are weekly exposed to sheikhs in am not exactly a model of religios- They are leaving those who want to opment and economic stagnation in western financial institutions, and self- cal decisions, let’s hope he can think mosques. ity myself, it pained me to see such form morality police to do as they the Middle East is Shari’a, or Islamic serving corporations, are the best past religion to the nation. Egyptian society is probably the disdain from my boy towards those please on the streets. They turn a law. The author argues that while possible model for development. Giv- only one where millions of boys and who are supposed to be holy men. blind eye to those who are working other countries adapted their phi- en the havoc that these institutions Farah is a business journalist and men flock to mosques for Friday And the worst part was that I could to destroy the largest, most impor- losophies and approach to econo- have caused in recent times, and the founder of Rebel Economy, a blog noon prayers regardless of how re- not defend the sheikhs, given that I tant Islamic institution in the world; my according to modern times, the fact that injustice and obscene wealth focused on how regional economies ligious they are, or whether they in do not want him to listen to the mon- Al-Azhar. Middle East was very late in adopting is integral to their make-up, I think it are rebuilding after the Arab Spring. fact perform the rest of the week’s strosities these men utter. We are Left to themselves, our Islamist key institutions of modern economy. is an assumption too far.” www.rebeleconomy.com prayers. Egyptian men might be par- now all torn between the reality of rulers will succeed in breeding an tying Thursday night, drinking and our religion, and the message coming atheist generation. But will they be dancing, but they wake up on Friday from the bearded bunch. What are left to themselves? I think not, Janu- to join the prayers. More often than we supposed to tell our kids? Listen ary 25 is impending. not, these boys and men eventually to the sheikh, or don’t listen? Go lean towards stopping whatever is to the mosque, or don’t go? Should [email protected] deemed “sinful” as they grow older. we monitor every speech they hear, Follow @Run_Rana Birds of a feather Approaching an election winsome services in Upper Egypt. wannabes wander out unwittingly. If the opposition wise up and ex- Not that they’ll make it. They ploit the Islamists’ internecine ruck- raise their profiles and fly a few kites. us they can prevent the Islamists oc- The majors don’t care that much, cupying the driving seat for decades. certain the contumacious will re- Dr Gamal Zahran, head of politi- the resistance abroad turn to the flock. cal science at Port Said University In the social circles I frequent, there tional hysterical contingent of the They might be in for a shock. says tailoring the constitution and has been a dramatic rise in social population that should be ignored There’s no doubt the Islamists election laws serves the Islamists’ outings and engagements, where forever. Pay no attention to them. will grab most of the seats in the ends. He reckons the Islamist she- PhiliP WhitField people seem to want to discuss We already stopped a while ago. next parliament. nanigans may guarantee no less than two topics: The economy and who That being said, you have now a Behind the scenes, they’re trying 80% in the next parliament. Freedom to elect a particular is leaving the country. much greater role to play than you to make victory a racing cert. Their What’s most disturbing is the person in a particular district is not Whether it is to a job in a Gulf ever did in this country, and our sur- skulduggery may be their downfall. sleight of hand that’s going on. clear-cut. country, to family in North America, vival will be contingent upon your The first round of the presiden- Morsy’s using his self-anointed The guaranteed 64 women’s seats or buying your way into an econom- efforts. You are about to become a tial election was the best indicator powers to bury the opposition once in parliament has been revoked. ically struggling European country, part of the resistance abroad. of Egyptian sentiment after revolu- and for all. Morsy is riding roughshod over many people are either leaving now The first thing to do is organise tion euphoria died down. The Is- He’s stuffed the Shura Council the popular will. or making their plans to leave soon. yourselves into effective groups lamists lost the popular vote in the with Yes Men to do his bidding, add- Egypt’s democrats are waffling For those who are interested, that share common benefits and mahmoud Salem first round by a long chalk. ing 21 Brothers,14 Salafis and 21 while the Islamists stuff the genie the current price range is as fol- take care of their own. Create Morsy was stymied by a plethora Brotherhood allies. back into the bottle. lows: €160,000 to move to Spain, trans-Atlantic business associations ment funds, development funds and of opponents, including a Muslim He’s clipped the wings of the Su- What should they be doing? €100,000 to move to one of the to pool your resources and create political funds to be used in both Brotherhood defector. With 13 left preme Constitutional Court. Explain how the parliamentary already established compounds a financially strong community. Cre- the country you are in and back in in the field after juristic winnowing, He’s refused to alter district elections are being rigged: for Egyptians in Cyprus, €50,000 ate professional associations, think- Egypt. Found scholarships in Euro- Morsy’s Brothers made up only a electoral boundaries to reflect the 1) Three quarters of the 46 multi- can get you situated in a house on tanks and cultural networks that pean and American universities to quarter of the poll. With massive re- population make-up more fairly. member districts are small, with be- a lake in the Czech Republic and aim to help each other advance your help absorb the smartest Egyptians sources and hoards of cash, Morsy He’s jiggled around with the pro- tween four to eight elected. Women about €15,000 can get you com- chosen careers and professions. and send them back to us. Thirdly, en- received only five million votes. portional representation system. have to be near the top of party lists fortably into Costa Rica, which has Found NGOs that do both charity gage in domestic activism against the But it was enough to take him Two-thirds of the nominees (332) to stand a ghost of a chance. the added benefit of not having a and development work in Egypt, and Islamist agenda in western countries into the second round where nar- are elected off party lists. One third 2) The quota system electing military (some of us are scarred for focus on healthcare for the poorest by explicitly stating that they don’t rowly he captured the prize in a (166) is reserved for independent two-thirds of the seats remains life it seems). Egyptians instead of education, for represent Islam or Muslims and in- two-horse runoff. candidates. open to interpretation. While unfortunate, this is com- education’s benefits are long term forming the world of what they have Let’s take a closer look at the first That not only gives the party with To win a seat requires a full pletely normal and expected, given while healthcare brings you im- done here. They made you leave your round when voters had many choic- the most money a helping hand to quota. Ambiguous wording allows the state that the country is in and mediate loyalty. Establish a political country, so please make them pay. Fi- es – as they’ll have in the parliamen- win the largest districts with most argument that if only one candi- the direction it is taking. The coun- front in every community you are in nally, register and vote in every Egyp- tary election. About half the eligible seats. The rules have been tweaked date wins a quota their party wins try’s economic prospects are dim, that engages local and national poli- tian election, and send local parties voters turned out, which is what’s to allow Brothers to run on the in- all the seats. the streets are not safe for women tics. Please be mindful of the golden and politicians donations when it is expected in the upcoming poll. dependent lists as well. 3) The rule giving half of seats to of all ages, the secular opposition rule while creating all of this: NO time for elections. They will need all The out-and-out Islamists lost. A The International Foundation workers or farmers is an anachro- is more confused than a chameleon ISLAMISTS ALLOWED! the financial help they can get. hotchpotch running against them for Electoral Systems says: Female nism. in a bag of Skittles, and the Islamists After you do that, you will reap You are about to become a dias- won 13 million – a smashing victory. candidates are penalised not only When two candidates from a seem intent on turning Egypt into the social and financial benefits pora, a transnational political entity So, whatever they tell you, the by the removal of the nomination professional background win the a failed state. A brain drain is the of having a strong organised dias- operating on behalf of your entire Salafis, the FJP and its ilk have to suck quota, but also by the fact that par- top spots, only one is elected and logical outcome for those who pora community, something that people, and thus are capable of acting in their differences to win a popular ties are not required to put them in the worker/farmers go head-to- have lost hope in the country for regular non-Muslim Brotherhood independently from any state or gov- mandate. Instead they’re splintering. winnable positions on the lists and head in a runoff. the time being, and I, being one of Egyptians have never had. However, ernment. You will be the resistance The Muslim Brotherhood’s prag- districts are too small to allow for That’s harsh on anyone who in- those who are staying, have no ill don’t confuse the perks with the abroad, the people who will come matism, ideological ambiguity and most parties to win more than one vested in an education eg demo- will or recrimination towards those purpose, for this community has back when we finally get rid of the organisational prowess have bought or two seats per district. crats. who are leaving. If anything, I have a a very important purpose to play. Islamist occupation, which will hap- them power and influence. Rather than bemoan the situa- 4) There’s something fishy about few words of advice to give them, if First, within whatever country you pen sooner rather than later. There In government they’re ferrets in a tion, the opposition needs to cease counting the votes in the election they would have it. will be in, fellow community mem- will be a lot of work to be done to re- sack, cantankerous, gnawed and en- backbiting and focus on the immi- halls rather than under supervision Dear future egyptian diaspora: bers can organise domestically to pair the damage that those fools have feebled – rising to prominence one nent calamity. by far-away judges. We get it. You stood your ground maximise their political clout, which caused, so we will need you and your day, out the next. Freedom to criticise is being cur- Birds of a feather should flock and fought for two years and no should be directed towards all lev- help. Have no doubt, we will prevail, The Salafis are making hay. The tailed. together. significant improvement was made, els of government, for today’s local so don’t sell us short. Salafi Da’wa has grown rapidly out Freedom to demonstrate is being Evil triumphs when good men and now it is time to pay attention senator is tomorrow’s president. of Alexandria allied with the Cairo- restricted. do nothing – Edmund Burke (1729 to your future prospects. No one Secondly, establish a culture of mahmoud Salem is a political based Al-Asala party and Al-Gamaa Freedom to amend laws is being -1797). can blame you, and if anyone does, yearly consistent financial contribu- activist, writer, and social media Al-Islamiya’s Building and Develop- shunted out of the House of Rep- then they belong to the hyper-emo- tions that get divided into invest- consultant. www.sandmonkey.org ment Party, which operates social resentatives. Philip Whitfield is a Cairo commentator

Published by Business News for Press, and Sales and Marketing Director Distribution under License from the Supreme Editor Politics Editor Chairman Chief Editor Deputy Editor Sara Abou Bakr Art Director Ramy Kamal Council of Journalism Maher Hamoud Daily news Mostafa Sakr Saad Zaghloul Laurence Underhill Business Editor Mohamed El-Bahrawi 12 Haroon St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt Rana Allam Abdel-Azim Saafan Circulation Manager egypt Arts & Culture Editor Adel Heine Tel: +202 37486853 | Fax: +202 37486936 Sally Kandil [email protected] TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 Daily news egypt 7 in-Focus www.thedailynewsegypt.com AFP Photo / Khaled DesoukiAFP Photo Egyptian Coptic Christian men attend Christmas midnight mass led by newly elected church leader Pope Tawadros II at the Al-Abbaseya Cathedral in Cairo copts dream of a secure egypt As CoptiC ChristiAns CelebrAte ChristmAs, hopes And feArs surround egypt’s future

By Ethar Shalaby wine. This practice is called “Divine Liturgy” and Christians believe that Inside an ordinary Egyptian apart- during it the wine becomes Christ’s ment on the fifth floor of an old build- blood and the bread his flesh. There is ing in Cairo’s famous Ramses Street, a verse in the bible in which Jesus asks 34-year-old Injy Alfons decorates a his disciples to symbolically eat and large Christmas tree with delightful drink from his own body, by breaking ornaments and alluring lights. Mary, bread and sharing wine. her 6-year-old daughter, tall for her Pope Tawadros II makes the sign of age, is blowing up green and red bal- the cross three times over the bread loons. Her older brother Martin sings and wine and then every bishop takes Jingle Bells and constantly nags about a small bite. The Divine Liturgy is his gift from Papa Noel. But as this equivalent to the Eucharist in Catho- Coptic family prepares for the Christ- lic and Lutheran churches. mas in 2013, there is an abiding sense Father Makary Habib, secretary to of uncertainty. Pope Tawadros II, explained the prac- The 2013 Coptic Christmas is the tical preparations of the cathedral for first to come under the rule of an Islamist the Coptic Christmas traditions. He president and a newly selected pope. said the cathedral started preparing “I cannot say that I am afraid of what for the festivities on 3 January. “We could happen [politically] in Egypt. I am have about 500 young Christians re- more concerned with the rise of the sponsible for organisation during the radical Salafis, who are spreading [their Christmas Eve service.” message] over YouTube,” said Emile, The church’s youths are trained the father of two. He explained that how to organise the entrance and exit the “radical” statements made by many of worshippers to ensure an organ- sheikhs could drive the Coptic com- ised event. The choir, which is led by munity to isolate itself even more from Egypt’s most famous Coptic deacon the rest of the Egyptian community. Ibrahim Ayad, rehearses traditional

Injy agreed. “If you find a whole / Khaled DesoukiAFP Photo hymns to be sung on Christmas Eve. group uniting against you as a minority, Newly elected leader of Egypt’s Coptic Christian, Pope Tawadros II, Head of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church, leads the Coptic Christmas midnight mass The Cathedral’s administration you will just have to stick to your own at the Al-Abbaseya Cathedral in Cairo made plans for no more than 5,000 people and simply cocoon,” she said. people inside the hall during the ser- Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya, the ultra- said. She highlighted that one of the ing tide of political Islam has unsettled sack full of gifts to give out to children. the world’. I have to fast to feel how Je- vices. Doors were opened around conservative Islamist group, said on challenges in Egypt is a lack of equal many Christians in Egypt. “I am waiting to attend the Christ- sus Christ has suffered pain for me and 6pm and at around 10pm VIP guests its Facebook page that Christmas is a opportunities. “I see this in work plac- Although President Mohamed mas party at Al-Adra Fagala Church,” shared in the poor people’s suffering.” are usually greeted by the pope. “blasphemy.” Youssef Al-Qaradawi, the es and schools. Sometimes employers Morsy has repeatedly affirmed that said Mary. “The priest told us this The Christmas fast should not be Muslim Brotherhood’s mufti based in would prefer Muslims to Copts and I Copts will be taken care of, no posi- story of Santa Claus, who was given confused with another fasting period at More security for a merry Christmas Qatar, warned Muslims against cel- don’t know the reason for this.” tive changes have been felt, Emile be- a lot of money from Jesus Christ to Easter, which lasts for 55 days in March Enhanced security measures were in ebrating Christmas and said it would Working as an accountant, Emile lieves. “Everything is the same. Not buy gifts for us.” or April, when Copts abstain from eat- effect inside and outside the country’s be “sinful for Muslims.” appeared more concerned with how one single positive step has been Martin said he received a set of toy ing meat, chicken or fish. “This is called many churches this year. Security bar- to maintain a monthly income for his taken for the sake of Christians in cars at his school’s Christmas party the Great Fast. We cannot eat anything ricades were placed at the entrance Attainable dreams? family. “With all the bad news about the Egypt. [Morsy] appoints Coptic gov- as a Christmas gift. “I have parked all that has a soul in it,” the priest explained. of the churches as well as closed cir- Emile wishes for nothing more than a economy every day, I sometimes ask ernmental figures just of the sake of the cars for this Christmas. I wish that On 6 January every year, Cop- cuit cameras and security screening stable country. “After the selection of myself what will happen to us as Copts, appearing fair.” Papa Noel gives me another set of cars tic Christmas Eve, Copts pour into machines. Tawadros II as our new pope, we just being a minority, if the country’s eco- Egyptian Church representatives when I meet him in the church’s party.” churches in their neighbourhoods. On New Year’s Eve 2011, the All hope that promises from the govern- nomic situation keeps getting worse.” withdrew in protest from the Con- Mary and Martin spent weeks re- In St Mark’s Christmas mass usually Saints Church in Alexandria was ment towards Christians are met,” About a week before the Coptic stituent Assembly, meaning the new hearsing special hymns for Christmas begins around 10.30pm, finishing at bombed, leaving 20 killed and more he said. “Building new churches and Christmas, Emile took his wife and two constitution passed without Chris- with their friends in the church. “My fa- midnight. Chapels inside the cathedral than 120 badly injured. The attack left the ability to even make slight main- kids to shop for the upcoming feast. tian representation. The Church has ther always encourages me to sing in the start their prayers earlier for the el- a painful memory for Egypt’s Copts tenance should be resolved without “My mum picked a brown dress with sent the presidency a list of desired church’s choir. We love Christ and so we derly and those who cannot stay late. and many have since been scared to [the need for] difficult procedures red stripes for me to wear in the church. changes to the constitution, includ- sing for him on his birthday,” said Martin. After Coptic families end their enjoy the festivities in churches. and licenses.” I also have new boots,” said Mary. ing the deletion of Article 219, which prayers on Christmas Eve, they gather Emile and Injy insisted their celebra- The Coptic community has been Christmas brings its own econom- assumes a strictly Islamist interpreta- Christmas preparations for Christmas dinner. Injy said she ar- tions have to take place inside the church, suffering for years from laws that ic burden, said Emile. “I am already tion of the principles of Shari’a – the Preparations for the Christmas cel- ranges with her neighbours the main despite fears of attacks on churches. regulate the building of houses of struggling to afford the household ex- basis of legislation. ebrations usually begin during the dishes to cook for Christmas. “We usu- “The earlier attacks on churches worship. Copts are not allowed to penses and the increasing school fees early days of the new year. Priest Ra- ally coordinate on what meals to cook. have made us even closer to God. We build churches or conduct internal for two kids,” he said. “As a Copt, I am New clothes, new gifts fael Wahba, serving at St Mark’s Ab- All of the food must contain meat and will take our kids there and rejoice.” or external maintenance without of- not very optimistic about the admin- On 7 January of each year, Coptic chil- baseya cathedral, explained that the eggs and butter. We have to include all Martin said he will stay with his fa- ficial licenses. istration of the Muslim Brotherhood.” dren enjoy their church’s Christmas Coptic Christmas “marks the annual the yummy stuff.” Dining tables are usu- ther during the service and “will not “For me, I wish to be able to raise Hundreds of Egyptian Christian celebration. In schools and churches commemoration of the birth of Jesus ally set to be ready for families as soon care about any fears on that day. Jesus my kids in an atmosphere free of families fled to western countries af- of all neighbourhoods, a man dresses Christ and is one of the seven major as they return from church. Christ will protect us.” prejudice and discrimination,” Injy ter the 25 January Revolution. The ris- up as Santa Claus and carries a large holy feasts.” Emile said: “I usually take my small On Christmas morning the pope In Egypt, Coptic Christians have sev- family and meet with friends and in- gives a speech to the Coptic com- eral fasting periods that require differ- laws inside the church by the time of munity and welcomes governmental ent diets according to the celebration. prayer around nine or 10.” figures and well-wishers. This year, as At Christmas, which is also called For Injy it is the best part; “it is when expected, his motif was peace and the Holy Nativity Feast, Copts stick to we really rejoice.” On the morning of love and a wish for a better Egypt. an approximately vegan diet, staying 7 January, Christmas Day, families go Father Makary said: “Priests all over away from all meals that include chick- out to celebrate and exchange visits. the country pray a lot for Egypt to en, beef, milk and eggs. They fast for achieve freedom, social justice and 43 days starting from 25 November. St Mark’s traditions democracy. We have always wished The fasting period is, however, not Father Rafael explained there are a that for Egypt.” mandatory. Some people who cannot number of prayers conducted be- Father Serafin Al-Syrian, one of the fast due to illness or weakness are ex- fore the Christmas mass. The event five candidates competing in the last pa- cused. Fasting in Christianity does not commences when the pope enters pal elections, has a similar hope that the intend hardship, but rather a spiritual the cathedral wearing his white tonia future will be better than the present. preparation for the feast. and gold sedra (liturgical vestments “The church wishes that this year “We fast to spiritually welcome Je- worn by the clergy), along with seven will bring peace to the country,” he sus Christ in the heart,” said Father general Bishops and 12 priests. He said. “We can see that the pope is hap-

AFP Photo / Khaled DesoukiAFP Photo Rafael. “As if I tell him ‘come appear in starts the prayer of the “holy offer- py and enthusiastic about Christmas. Members of an Egyptian Muslim family light candles at a Coptic Christian church in Cairo on 6 January my heart exactly like you appeared in ing,” which is composed of bread and We will follow his lead.” 8 Daily news egypt TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 art & CUltUre Art should make a statement and Culture is what surrounds us events el-sawy apologises over Music got blood? cartoons By Omar El Adl care system. “Most of the Christmas concert similar organisations/ini- The Creativity Front has released their withdrawal and without El Gomhouria theatre is continu- Few initiatives start by tiatives offer help in the a statement detailing their meeting their approval, a move that was ing to celebrate Christmas with reprimanding their au- form of stored blood, with Sawy Culturewheel founder seen by many opposition figures another performance in festive dience, the unorthodox which costs them money and politician Mohamed El-Sawy. to be a clear nod to the Muslim spirit. Tickets are available from approach adopted by La- and space. Operating as a The front called for a protest and Brotherhood. the ticket office. w3andakDam (L3D). The mediator online by using a boycott of the Culturewheel af- The front warned of El-Sawy popular Egyptian expres- technology offers help ter certain caricatures were not becoming a cultural censor for the El Gomhouria Theater sion literally translates as to those who cannot af- shown as part of a scheduled cari- Muslim Brotherhood and accused 12 Al-Gomhouria Street “If you had blood”, and ford it instantly and with cature exhibition. him of trying to gain favours with Downtown, Cairo is the name of a blood a wider reach. We are The Front accused the Culture- the government, implying that he Tel: (02)239 077 07 matching campaign that challenging bureaucracy wheel of removing and tearing the had done it before to gain access 8 January 8pm creates a platform for and delays,” said Taher. cartoons because they were criti- to public property: the Culture- donors and recipients to “L3D prevents wast- cal of the Muslim Brotherhood. wheel’s location in Zamalek. find each other easily. ing blood due to expiry El-Sawy has previously been the In their statement, the front Shady Ahmed, The Downtown “There were two ex- dates. One would only go recipient of criticism for repre- reported that El-Sawy insisted on Meltdown, Buzzz periences that inspired donate when there is an senting Egyptian churches in the apologising to the artist himself and Enjoy Shady Ahmed and the me to develop the idea,” actual need for his type of Constituent Assembly, despite said that the error had been the re- Downtown Meltdown’s new- said Hisham Kharma, the blood. A lot of people also sult of an employee and est tracks from their album and founder of L3D. “First, do not trust government would not happen again. follow up with some funk from my cousin was once hos- institutes and demand The Culturewheel pitalised in a well known more transparency. L3D began its three day Buzzz. Reservations are recom- private hospital, and he The logo leaves little to the imagination allows for full transpar- public exhibition of the mended at the Cairo Jazz Club. needed a blood transfu- ency and credibility since works Monday and said Cairo Jazz Club sion. It was a hassle to find blood in donation until the donors’ database is the donor interacts directly with the it would be releasing a 197, 26 of July Street the hospital’s blood bank so I asked ready on the website,” she said. patient and we are just a mediator. statement of explana- Mohandessin, Cairo myself, imagine if in a privately owned The service works based on lo- Finally, some cases such as accidents tion to the public. Tel: (02) 3345 9939 hospital like this people are unable to cation and blood type, matching do- and internal bleeding require fresh Previously, the Cre- find blood, what about the poor who nors and patients accordingly. “Do- blood donations,” she said. ativity Front had called 8 January 9pm cannot afford those hospitals? nors register their information with Further growth is expected for for a boycott of the Cul- “Secondly, the mass text messages Law3andakDam.com, recipients fill L3D and there are talks of integration turewheel and a protest, FilM and blackberry messages [bbms] sent an easy to use online request form into the healthcare system via clinics scheduled for Tuesday at when someone needs blood; and how that is instantly routed to donors and hospitals. “We want L3D to go re- 7pm in front of the Za- Amour many tend to disregard those mes- with the same blood type and loca- gional and grow as a hub in the Middle malek location. Haneke’s exquisite “The White sages also inspired and triggered the tion,” said Taher. East where people go when they need The Egyptian Associa- idea,” said Kharma. “Using social networks like Twit- blood. We are currently assessing the tion of Caricatures has Ribbon” took home the Palme L3D became especially prominent ter and Facebook to spread cases, in options of further integration, but we endorsed El-Sawy’s de- D’Or and “Amour” is doing around the time of the infamous collaboration with other nonprofit have not decided on where, when and cision and spoke of the it again, putting the filmmaker Mohamed Mahmoud Street clashes. organisations, has created a huge on- how to start.” Culturewheel’s impor- among very distinguished com- Shaimaa Taher, project manager of line community of people wanting to Law3andakDam succeeds where tance in Egyptian cul- pany. Do not miss it at the Small L3D said: “[They] were actually the help. We are taking advantage of the Egypt’s health care services have tural life, while the Sawy Hall. Tickets are available from reason why we decided to start our growing online presence in the Mid- clearly failed; it offers a simple and Culturewheel com- project. There were countless blood dle East” she added. “The basic idea fresh platform that does one thing mended what it called the ticket office. donation requests circulating through is: there are people who need help; and does it very efficiently. We think the Creativity Front’s Cairo Opera House text messages and bbms. And once there are people who want to help. if you had any blood, you should give zealous defence of free- El Borg Gezira we started interacting with people Bring them together.” it to them. page Facebook Front’s Creativity The Courtesy of dom of expression. Zamalek, Cairo on Facebook and Twitter we got lots “We have now collected donors in Tel: (02) 2739 0114 or requests. The name was chosen to our database and Bright-Creations. 8 January 7.30pm inject humor into a serious subject com picked Law3andakDam as one and to attract more people. Basically, of four most innovative initiatives in if you have blood, give it. 2011,” she said. A Night of Dying Arts “We knew that it will take time to L3D says using conventional chan- 10 Mahmoud Bassiouny’s is collect donors’ data. So we decided nels for blood transfer is not an Cairo’s only art space that only to start with Facebook and Twitter option, owing to the inefficiency of wants to give you that- space. to help spread cases that need blood state bureaucracy and of the health Their new event will feature super 8 and 16mm films, made by participants of a Cimatheque workshop titled ‘Analogue Zone’. a Christmas tree of Attendance is free. 10 Mahmoud Bassiouny. remembrance Downtown, Cairo 8 January 8pm

Exhibition

3 of Pioneers Picasso Gallery hosts a group exhibition of new work by Tahia Halim, Gazbia Sirry and Inji Effla- toun, called 3 of Pioneers. Picasso Gallery 30 Hassan Assem Street Zamalek, Cairo Tel: (02) 2736 7544 8 January 10am

What does a drawing want? Beirut is hosting an exhibition that examines the art of drawing by displaying the work of several artists, screenings and talks. 11 Mahmoud Sedky Street Agouza, Cairo Tel: (02) 3335 7423 8 January noon

Weather

Tuesday, January 8 page Courtesy of Khadra Facebook Alexandria 18°C / 10°C Gameela Ismail spearheaded an initia- started. Silver coloured combinations tive of Egyptians who decided Tahrir of crescents and crosses contrasted Aswan 22°C / 11°C Square needed a Christmas tree. A between the evergreen boughs and Cairo 17°C / 10°C flurry of tweets followed with sugges- instead of traditional ornaments the Hurghada 23°C / 12°C tions for placement and decorations tree sported portraits tied to the Luxor 21°C / 9°C and when Heba Yassin from Khadra branches with red satin bows. offered the tree it all came together. It became a tree of remembrance, Sharm El-Sheikh 23°C / 12°C Twinkling lights were part of the decorated with the faces of the mar- Suez 16°C / 7°C decorations, but that is where conven- tyrs that lost their lives in the struggle tional stopped and the revolutionary for freedom and justice.