aily EWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 N D Issue No. 2197 newstAnd price le 4.00 EGyPT www.thedailynewsegypt.com Egypt’s Only Daily Independent Newspaper In English

A more AfricAn egypt tAking egypt’s religious Artistic works of ‘intimAcy’ temperAture Foreign Minister Mohamed Dr Saria Sidky’s ‘Intimacy’ exhibit Kamel Amr says Egypt has always US State Department publishes offering an emotional and personal supported ‘freedom fighters’ in its annual report on religious look into a number of uniquely Africa 2 freedom in the world 3 painted characters 8

Morsi meets Salafi jihadists deny involvement in Sinai Brahimi ahead of Friends of kidnapping, military operation looms Syria meeting

By Ahmed Aboul enein chairperson,” the upper house’s ma- By Joel gulhane jority leader Essam El-Erian said. Salafi jihadist groups denied any El-Erian, also the deputy leader of President Mohamed Morsi met with responsibility for the kidnapping of the Muslim Brotherhood’s political United Nations and Arab League Spe- the seven soldiers being held hos- wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, cial Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi tage in Sinai. added that there is no disagreement at the presidential palace on Monday. Often blamed by the media for between the Brotherhood and the According to his spokesperson, Bra- being responsible for the kidnap- military or between Morsi and the himi is pleased that Egypt is restarting ping, the Salafist Jihadism movement military who he said “was one with its quartet initiative. in Sinai released a statement denying the military and Supreme Command- Brahimi and Morsi discussed the responsibility and instead blamed the er of the Armed Forces”. “latest developments in the efforts government and military for allowing National Security Committee undertaken to resolve the Syrian Sinai to reach the state it is in. Chairman Reda Fahmy blamed the crisis”, said a statement published “We have repeatedly stated that media on its handling of the crisis by the presidency on Monday eve- our goals in Sinai are to fight the and particularly its airing of the video ning. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mo- Zionist enemy and that we do not of the kidnapped soldiers on Sunday, hamed Kamel Amr also attended target Egyptian soldiers,” the state- which depicts them blindfolded and the meeting. ment said, adding that the entire kid- bound despite the military calling on The trio discussed preparations for napping might be staged in order to all television channels and newspa- the upcoming Friends of Syria meet- provide pretext for an attack on Sinai pers to not air it. He added that “all ing, scheduled to be held in Amman and the “slaughtering of its people” national forces” must be united in the on Wednesday. Amr is expected to by the military. face of this situation. attend along with his counterparts Intensive efforts are being made Presidential advisor Ayman Ali said from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qa- to free the kidnapped soldiers and that the operation to retrieve the sol- tar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, return them unharmed, Prime Min- diers “had started since Saturday” and the United States, Britain, France, ister Hesham Qandil said on Tues- that President Morsi was in direct con- Germany and Italy.

day, adding that everyone should / Stringer AFP Photo trol of both the political and military During the meeting Morsi and back the country’s leadership and egyptian soldiers are deployed in the area of the rafah Border crossing between egypt and gaza on tuesday aspects of the operation. Brahimi also discussed ways to co- remain calm. He added that there is full coop- ordinate between Brahimi’s efforts “We should realise that we are The Shura Council Committee on describes a national security coun- national security committees in both eration between all state institu- and Morsi’s quartet initiative, which facing a very dangerous situation and National Security, Arab, and Foreign cil entrusted with handling crises houses of parliament. tions and that the presidency was aims to include Egypt, Turkey, Iran stand behind the leadership and stop Affairs meanwhile called on Presi- affecting national security and is “The National Security Council is not after a “media show” otherwise and Saudi Arabia to find a solution with the strikes and sit-ins and start dent Mohamed Morsi in its Tuesday composed of the president, prime important so that the president could it would had achieved that a while to the crisis. Morsi proposed the working and producing because play- session to form the Nation Security minister, speakers of both houses of meet all the relevant officials at once ago, but rather the priority was to initiative at an Organisation of the ing politics right now stalls the path of Council described in the constitu- parliament, ministers of defence, in- instead of separately. The elected Shu- free the soldiers and make sure they Islamic Cooperation meeting in development,” Qandil said at a meet- tion to deal with the Sinai kidnapped terior, justice, finance, foreign affairs, ra Council would be represented in are unharmed. Mecca last August. ing of the Supreme Advisory Council soldiers incident. health, general intelligence chief, and the decision-making process through for Workplace Safety and Health. Article 193 of the constitution the chairpersons of the defence and its speaker and defence committee continued on page 2 continued on page 2 NSF addresses Sinai crisis Food insecurity on the rise By rana muhammad taha Egypt representative and coun- The National Salvation Front calls on authorities to exercise more transparency when dealing with the situation in Sinai try director, stated that such an The percentage of food insecurity increase in poverty rates did not The National Salvation Front (NSF) increased in Egypt by three per happen “overnight”. stated on Tuesday that its main con- cent from 2009 to 2011, says a re- “People’s inability to have ad- cern is the preservation of Egypt’s cent international study. equate and nutritious food is largely national security and sovereignty A joint report released on Tues- attributed to rising poverty rates in Sinai. day by the World Food Programme and a succession of crises,” Bordi- The military has been on high alert (WFP), the International Food Policy gnon said. since the kidnap of seven soldiers in Research Institute (IFPRI) and the The report also revealed that the Sinai on Thursday. The kidnapped sol- Central Agency for Public Mobilisa- rate of poverty in urban areas is ris- diers appeared in a video on Sunday, tion and Statistics (CAPMAS) stated ing faster than rural areas. Greater blindfolded, calling upon President that 13.7 million Egyptians suffered Cairo, for instance, has a larger num- Mohamed Morsi to release political from food insecurity in 2011. ber of poor and food-insecure peo- detainees from Sinai. According to the report, 15.2% ple than rural Upper Egypt, although In a press statement released of the population moved to pov- the latter has the highest poverty on Tuesday, the NSF stated that it’s erty between 2009 and 2011, while rate nationwide. the people’s right to be transpar- only 7.7% moved out of poverty. ently informed with the situation in GianPietro Bordignon, WFP continued on page 3

Sinai, specifically in regards to the Al-MalkyAhmed presence of terrorist and criminal the national salvation front holds an emergency meeting on monday to discuss the latest events in egypt including cells and their connections beyond the judiciary and the situation of the kidnapped soldiers in sinai Egypt’s borders. The struggle: Egyptians The front also called for the an- Established in late April, Tamarod is the judiciary bill proposed by the comes to legislating,” the statement read. nouncement of the results of investi- collecting signatures to withdraw Al-Wasat Party, which aims to lower The Judges’ Club boycotted the obtaining foreign visas gations into the death of 16 security confidence from President Mohamed the retirement age of judges from 70 “Justice Conference”, which was personnel during a terrorist attack on Morsi, calling for early presidential to 60 in an effort to eliminate what called for by President Mohamed a checkpoint in August 2012. elections. The front announced its full the party said was corruption in the Morsi to solve the crisis, after the “We wish the soldiers are success- support of the campaign, making its judiciary. The bill has created a crisis council insisted on discussing the fully freed and the terrorists who kid- entire headquarters available for the between the judicial, executive and amendments. napped them are brought to justice,” use of campaign members to collect legislative branches of government. The front released its statement the statement read. signatures. “All laws related to justice cannot following a meeting between opposi- The NSF also addressed in its state- The front also announced its sup- be discussed by the Shura Council for tion leaders at the headquarters of ment the petition campaign Tamarod. port of the judges’ stance towards the council’s lack of jurisdiction when it the Al-Wafd Party on Tuesday.

Egyptian Stock Exchange Commentary 7.0877 7.6241 Closing Daily Change Farid Zahran writes: EGX 30 5,407.25 -0.46% The group promises to restore the 6.9819 7.012 advantages of the nationalistic state, but will get rid of its flaws. The most It is summer time in Egypt, a sea- Union, the United Kingdom and the EGX 70 448.37 0.01% 8.9193 9.5459 prominent figures of this group son when may Egyptians prepare to United States. Daily News Egypt ex- joined the Mou’tamar Party led by travel abroad for a myriad of reasons, plores the stories of some Egyptians 10.5589 11.3007 EGX 100 755.74 -0.19% Amr Moussa, and the Egyptian Patri- whether for tourism, business or and the problems they faced when otic Movement led by Ahmed Shafiq studying. However, it is a struggle for dealing with foreign embassies. 1.854 1.9264 EGX 20 6,204.90 -0.56% page 5 many of them to get visas to certain destinations, including the European feature on page 4 2 Daily news egypt WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com tV presenters investigated for Morsi meets Brahimi ahead of Friends of tamarod support syria meeting Television hosTs Amr Adib And mohAmed sherdy Are being Continued from page 1 The inclusion of Iran in Morsi’s ini- invesTigATed As well As founders of cAmpAign tiative has been criticised by some, but In the last month Morsi’s assistant Brahimi’s view, according to Mattar, is Prosecutor General Tala’at Abdal- During the two TV presenters’ dent Mohamed Morsi through a while the Muslim Brotherhood and on foreign relations and international that it does not matter who takes part lah has opened an investigation programme on Al-Youm channel Al- petition campaign. The grassroots supporters of the president have cooperation, Essam El-Haddad, has as long as they share the goal of bring- against two TV presenters and the Qahira Al-Youm, Sherdy responded movement said its goal was to ob- strongly criticised it. travelled to both Iran and Turkey to ing the opposing sides to the negotiat- founders of the Tamarod petition to the investigation by filling out a tain more than 13.2 million signa- Last week Al-Jamaa Al-Islami- discuss ways of reigniting the initia- ing table. campaign on Monday. Tamarod form on the air. tures, more than the total votes re- ya member Assem Abdel Maged tive. El-Haddad said at the beginning of As with previous Friends of Syria The complaint that led to the The Tamarod campaign respond- ceived by Morsi in the second round launched Tagarod, another coun- May that there would be a ministerial meetings, Brahimi will not be at- investigation accused TV hosts ed to the investigation with a state- of last year’s presidential elections. ter petition campaign insisting that quartet meeting “soon”. tending but could send one of his Amr Adib and Mohamed Mostafa ment posted on its Facebook page. Tamarod has said that it will aim to President Morsi fulfill his term “as Media spokeswoman for Brahimi, deputies in his place. Mattar stressed Sherdy, along with three founders “We will not be afraid and will collect the signatures by 30 June; long as we do not see from him out- Khawla Mattar said: “Mr Brahimi is ex- that Brahimi’s ultimate goal is for a of Tamarod for inciting and mobilis- never retreat from our initiative, one year after the president was right blasphemy”. tremely interested in any initiative that political solution and to bring the ing people to overthrow an elected because we are not alone,” read sworn into office. Earlier this week owner of con- could help [Syria] move forward. He was interested parties to the negotiat- government, inciting hatred against the statement. Opposition leaders including servative Islamist Al-Hafez satellite pleased when Egypt decided to revive its ing table to agree on a solution. She the regime, and promoting a group Tamarod, or “rebellion”, was Hamdeen Sabahy, Amr Moussa, Mo- channel Atef Abdel Rashid, who is quartet initiative.” She added that Bra- added that any solution may not be suspected of violating the law, ac- launched last month and aims to hamed ElBaradei, and Amr Hamza- also a presenter, signed a Tagarod himi believes it is the kind of initiative that perfect but would be better than the cording to state-owned Al-Ahram. withdraw confidence from Presi- wy have supported the initiative, petition on the air. could promote a political solution. current situation. Cairo governorate amr: egypt has always adopted african issues Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr said Egypt has always supported freedom fighters in Africa and defends the launches ‘Cairo interests of the continent 2030’ conference By Hend Kortam Egypt has been at the heart of the epic Governor: There’s a need to establish a law specific to the city struggle for freedom by the people of Africa, Minister of Foreign Affairs By Nourhan Dakroury The law should also come up with Mohamed Kamel Amr said during his a solution for issues like the demol- speech at the celebration of the 50th Cairo Governor Osama Kamal ex- ishing of historical villas in Cairo, Anniversary of the Organisation of pressed on Tuesday the need to estab- Kamal added. African Unity. lish a city law that would help Cairo on He explained that at the moment Amr said Egypt has made its re- its way to becoming a pioneering city. the owners of those villas are not al- sources available to support the in- The comments came during the gov- lowed to demolish them, which keeps dependence of the people of Africa. ernor’s speech at the “Cairo 2030” the buildings from being sold on the “Egypt has hosted African liberation conference. market. On the other hand, the gov- movements… and radio stations During his speech Kamal also ref- ernment will not purchase these villas, were launched from Cairo in African erenced several projects in place to leading the owners to neglect and not languages to call on the people of the further develop the country’s capital. use the buildings. continent’s nations to revolt and lib- Through close planning and develop- Kamal also said that the governor- erate,” Amr said. ment, the governor hopes to make ate wants to start integrating the Amr also said Egypt is proud to be

Cairo a leading city in the region and youth more in their plans and deci- one of the founding members of the Ministry Foreign handout a destination for tourism, culture, arts, sions, adding that the community in New Partnership for Africa’s Devel- Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr (second from right) delivered a speech for the 50th anniversary of work and education. general should be more involved in opment (NEPAD) and that Egypt will the formation of the Organization of African Unity, now replaced with the African Union In order to achieve those goals, the decisions made by the governor- continue to support the partnership’s Kamal said, the governorate will form ate, and once this law is drafted, the various projects. Egypt has not been present during the Al-Sha’rawy said he believes that livered in Cairo, in a celebration hosted a committee to come up with a city public will be invited to discuss the bill Former head of the African and economic competition in Africa, fac- many Africans blame North African Ar- by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. law which would make the governor with officials. Arabic Research Centre Helmy Al- ing competition not just from coun- abs for many of their problems. “Some The African Union said the 50th an- more involved in the decisions taken Kamal stressed the importance of Sha’rawy said Egypt has only managed tries like the United States, but also expected Egypt to solve this… but not niversary commemorations will be “an- by the city’s neighbourhood heads. addressing and developing slums in a limited part of NEPAD and is not a those “from our own level, like Iran one of the political players after the chored by the theme of Pan-Africanism He added that right now only some Cairo, highlighting that 40% to 45% major player in the partnership. and Malaysia”. 2011 revolution contributed to making and the African Renaissance”, building neighbourhoods inform the gover- of Cairo’s population live in 112 Amr said Africa is now being Amr ended his speech with hopes Africans feel real change,” he said. on past, present and future experiences norate about any decisions made slums. He said that currently the viewed as a rising continent in terms that the anniversary will be a chance The African Union came into ex- of the African people. concerning Cairo, whereas others put governorate is working on improv- of economic development, after be- to renew determination for work that istence in 2002, replacing the Organ- Celebrations of the anniversary are those decisions into effect without ing buildings and sewage systems in ing considered a hopeless case a few achieves the aspirations of the African isation for African Unity which was set to be held in member states of the the governorate’s knowledge. some of these slums. years ago. However, Al-Sha’rawy said people for a better future. formed in 1963. Amr’s speech was de- African Union throughout the year.

Salafi jihadists deny patterson: army rule inconsistent with democracy involvement in US Ambassador to Egypt voices concern over draft laws and says the US supports a political process, not a particular group Sinai kidnapping, By Basil El-Dabh bates in the US Congress regard- are very scared and there are worri- ing financial assistance to Egypt, the some elements,” she said. “The gov- military operation While the army’s role in Egypt’s tran- ambassador said that the “adminis- ernment isn’t doing enough.” sition was critical, it cannot be part tration will oppose any restrictions She also said the state of women looms of a political solution in a democracy, in the future,” a policy that has re- in Egypt was a longstanding concern said United States Ambassador to mained constant for the last few that still involves much work. She said Continued from page 1 Egypt Anne Patterson on Monday. decades. the US was working with the Minis- The ambassador, who has held her Loans to Egypt would be deemed try of the Interior to put together Ali said the presidency did not at any Cairo post since July 2011, discussed effective if they help to provide eco- a programme to investigate sexual point negotiate with the kidnappers relations between her country and nomic stability and resolve subsidy assaults. or ask any other group or person to Egypt, along with Egypt’s current issues, according to Patterson, who The ambassador also cited high do so on its behalf. state of affairs during an evening in- said that although her government female unemployment and lack of Unidentified gunmen kidnapped terview on CBC satellite channel. was following ongoing negotiations female empowerment in economic, seven off-duty security personnel on Patterson spoke of growing coop- between Egypt and the International social, and religious contexts as ma- Thursday; six of them belong to differ- eration with the Egyptian military, es- Monetary Fund (IMF), that the Unit- jor points of concern. ent sections of the Ministry of Interior pecially as it pertains to Sinai, which ed States was not actively involved in Patterson meanwhile praised the and one of the detainees is a military despite the recent kidnapping of con- the discussions. Egyptian army, saying by handing the volunteer non-commissioned officer

scripts, the ambassador considered “You would expect to see a great Photo AFP/File government over to civilian control with the Border Guards. better off than it was one year ago. outpouring of political activity to United States Ambassador to Egypt Anne Patterson discussed relations it had set itself apart from many mili- The kidnappers released a video However, she also noted that the challenge Dr Morsi,” she said in re- between the US and Egypt taries in the region, and dismissed the of the soldiers on Sunday depicting volatile region still faced many chal- sponse to President Mohamed Mor- idea of the army playing a political them blindfolded and bound. One of lenges. “The situation has been ag- si’s declining approval rate, adding that existed under the previous re- cause we have to,” she said, empha- role. the kidnapped soldiers recited the de- gravated by [smuggled] arms coming that campaigns like Tamarod should gimes, especially in how it relates to sising that the government in place “Army rule is inconsistent with mands listed by the kidnappers, which from eastern Libya,” she said. “certainly be encouraged in a de- foreign funding. was elected. democracy in all parts of the world,” are the release of Sinai political pris- The ambassador added that Egypt mocracy.” When discussing the draft protest She said the embassy was always she said. “Their role is to protect oners. Several families identified the has never requested any amend- During the hour-long interview, law, Patterson stressed the impor- engaging other factions as well in- Egypt’s borders.” soldiers in the videos as their children. ments to the Camp David Accords. Ambassador Patterson was most tance of adherence to international cluding other Islamist parties and Patterson praised Egypt’s efforts The military and police have been “The Camp David Accord is not only critical of draft laws regulating the standards, saying that the US gov- members of the opposition. to contribute to a peaceful resolu- on high alert since, and as of Sunday a centrepiece for Egypt’s security, but activity of nongovernmental organsi- ernment had provided Egypt with “We support a democratic po- tion in Syria’s civil war, saying that have been shipping in tanks, armoured the security of the entire region,” she ations (NGOs) and demonstrations. its own protest law that regulates litical process. Egyptians are going to given Egypt’s standing, its critical role vehicles, heavy weaponry and person- said. “There have been changes in the “The ability of NGOs to organise demonstrations in front of federal have to decide what that process is,” was needed. nel into North Sinai ahead of a pos- security pact,” she also said, asserting is a fundamental element of democ- buildings in Washington, DC. she said. “We have suspicions of Iran; we sible armed rescue effort. that there is a constant process of racy,” she said. “We’re concerned The stateswoman dismissed al- The ambassador cited politically- don’t think they’re an honest player At time of print, state-owned tele- evaluating the situation in Sinai and about this law and we’ve had dozens legations that the US Embassy was motivated arrests of figures such in this process and they are fueling vision channels reported a possible possible solutions to improving se- of discussions with the [Egyptian] dealing more with the Muslim Broth- as Ahmed Maher and the state of the situation in Syria, but [the con- military operation against the kid- curity in the peninsula. government [about it].” She said the erhood than other political factions. Egypt’s Christian minority as points flict] has to be resolved in a regional nappers was ongoing but no official When asked about ongoing de- draft law was worse than the one “We deal with the government be- of concern moving forward. “Copts context,” she said. confirmation had been made. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 Daily news egypt 3

Human Rights in Egypt: Reports www.thedailynewsegypt.com Us report on status of religious freedom in egypt State Department report highlightS the main iSSueS threatening religiouS freeDom in egypt By Joel Gulhane it asserts that “certain constitutional titled “Positive Developments in Re- provisions, laws and government poli- spect for Religious Freedom”, which The United States Department of cies and practices limit that freedom”. begins: “The government sometimes State published its annual Interna- On the constitution itself the report sent extra security forces to protect tional Religious Freedom Report for states, “some provisions provide less churches and prevent escalation of 2012 on Monday. The section of the protection than the previous consti- conflict.” It went on to point out that report regarding Egypt said that while tution”. It also criticises the “ambigu- the government did provide extra se- the constitution includes provisions ous clause” that subjects the right to curity and compensation for victims for freedom of religion, it also contains worship to regulation by the law. The of religious-based violence. Also high- restrictions on these freedoms. report claims that the clause implies lighted were incidents when perpetra- The report compiled by the De- that religions not recognised by the tors of religiously motivated crimes mocracy, Human Rights and Labour government, such as Baha’i, “are pre- were punished, including the handing Bureau of the State Department in- cluded from applying their own reli- down of the death sentence to Amer cludes an 18-page section on Egypt gious laws and restricted from building Ashour, a police cadet who murdered a discussing the status of religious free- places of worship”. Copt and injured five others on a train

doms in 2012. The report on Egypt Concern was also raised over the / GettyAFP Photo Images / Khaled Ali in January 2011. is split into four sections: religious interpretation of articles 2 and 4 of An armoured vehicle patrols Cairo after clashes between Muslims and Christians on 9 March 2011 left 11 people The report praised Morsi for hold- demography, status of government re- the constitution designating that Is- dead and more than 90 wounded. The clashes began after a church was burned ing two meetings with representatives spect for religious freedom, status of lam is the official religion of the state of the Christian churches during the societal respect for religious freedom, and that the “principles of Sharia” are government “often failed to investigate Egypt during 2012, as with the case of The report also discussed anti-Sem- first months of his presidency, which and US government policy. the primary source of legislation. The and prosecute crimes against Chris- atheist blogger Alber Saber. The report itism in Egypt and cited the Supreme was “something [former president The report highlights some of the concern lies with the ambiguity of this tians and other religious minorities”, also noted that “courts sometimes Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood Hosni] Mubarak nor the Supreme major issues regarding freedom of statement, as some believe that Al- highlighting the Maspero massacre of sentenced Christians to prison terms Mohamed Badie calling on “Muslims to Council of the Armed Forces had done religion in Egypt, such as sectarian Azhar has “the authority to define and October 2011. The report also said that exceeded those given to Muslims unite and be willing to shed their own in decades”. divisions, recognition of religious mi- interpret Sharia”, while others believe that in 2012 the government “con- accused of the same crime”. blood against ‘Jews [who] have only in- The section on US policy stressed norities, the legal status of religion, the courts have this authority. tinued to harass Shi’as and prohibit On the status of societal respect creased the corruption in the world’”. that the US is supporting initiatives to anti-Semitism, and the government’s A sub-section entitled “Govern- conversion from Islam”. The report for religious freedom the report said, It also highlights an incident in October increase religious freedoms in Egypt. response to these issues. ment Practices” noted that “the gov- did, however, add that some religious “there were reports of societal abuse 2012 when President Mohamed Morsi It also pointed out that embassy of- The report starts by pointing out ernment failed to protect Christians minority groups “reported a decline in or discrimination based on religious said “Amen” during televised prayers ficials and former Secretary of State that Egypt’s new constitution, ratified and their property effectively when government harassment”. affiliation, belief or practice.” Despite in response to a prayer calling for the Hillary Clinton were in contact with in December 2012 does “provide for they were attacked in Dahshour, Al- There are also concerns over blas- this, “lethal sectarian attacks de- destruction of the Jewish people. the Egyptian side throughout 2012 to some freedom of religion”. However, exandria and Rafah.” It added that the phemy laws, which were enforced in creased” in 2012. The report included a section en- promote religious freedoms. eCesR: poverty on the rise amid Food insecurity on the rise increasing unemployment and inflation Continued from page 1 “A fully balanced diet is expensive,” of refinement. The system caters to Al-Gendy said, “that’s why the poor 73 % of “non-poor” households, while Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights releases report demonstrating social The report stated that 40% of the suffer from food-poverty.” at the same time excluding 19% of the average household’s expenditure is Clemens Breisinger, IFPRI research “most vulnerable” households. and economic rights violations ahead of UN evaluation of Egypt’s adherence to the exclusively spent on food. The poor- fellow, said that nutrition is not only The paper also highlighted severe International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights est families’ food expenditure, how- a matter of having sufficient income. leakages in subsidised products. The ever, may even exceed 50% of total “Balanced nutrition is affected by the supply chain of the subsidised baladi household expenditure, which in turn presence of clean water and efficient bread, for instance, suffers from a makes such families more vulnerable healthcare spending,” Breisinger said. 30% losses and leakage. Baladi bread to food price fluctuations. “We don’t see any increase in the makes up 61% of food subsidies. CAPMAS head Abou Bakr Al- healthcare spending in Egypt.” “The current system is not target- Gendy stated that food poverty re- WFP and IFPRI also released a ed to those who need it the most,” flects on the health of children below joint policy paper examining food Breisinger said. the age of five. “A poorly-fed child subsidies entitled “Tackling Egypt’s The report concluded with list- under five years of age is likely to suf- Rising Food Insecurity in Times of ing a set of recommendations which fer from stunted growth or obesity.” Transition” which criticises the helped other similar economies im- Report figures suggest an 8% rise country’s subsidies system for fail- prove. These included: improving the in the rate of stunted growth among ing to resolve all poverty-related supply chain efficiency of subsidised children under the age of five in 2011 challenges. products to decrease leakage per- compared to 2005 levels. The report According to the paper, the ration centages, refining the targeting system also stated that over half the children card system, designed to provide those for recipients of subsidies, and com- under the age of five in nine governor- in need with subsidised products, suf- plementing and substituting nutrients ates suffer from anemia. fers from a targeting in serious need in the subsidised food. AFP Photo / Mahmud Hams AFP Photo Egyptian riot police standoff with demonstrators in Alexandria protesting against unemployment HRw: little regard for freedom of speech By Ahmed Aboul Enein Mobilisation and Statistics (CAP- Egypt’s major problems. The constant MAS), compared to 9% among men. shift of legislative powers has made it in the arab world Poverty rates, inflation, unemploy- Overall unemployment has increased impossible to repeal this law, and has By Luiz Sanchez tect freedom of ‘thought and opinion,’ ficials (and even institutions) to punish ment, food scarcity, and social unrest from 9% in 2010 to 12% in 2011 and not given the chance for civil society but then bans ‘insults’ to individuals those who allegedly insult them.” are on the rise and the government 12.8% in 2012. Meanwhile, youth un- and anti-corruption activists to pres- Human Rights Watch published an and prophets,” Leah Whitson said. The executive director was also is not only failing to combat it but in employment (ages 20 to 24) is cur- sure the legislature to repeal this law,” article on Monday evening in which “This is no theoretical danger: critical of Tunisia, where she says the some cases is contributing to it, the rently at 33%. the report stated. the executive director of the Middle President Mohamed Morsi’s govern- draft constitution provides significant Egyptian Centre for Economic and The ECESR report also cites the ECESR heavily criticised Law 34 of East and North Africa division, Sarah ment authorities over the past year protection against torture and unlaw- Social Rights argues in a report. Egyptian Food Observatory, which 2011 that bans strikes, sit-ins, and pro- Leah Whitson, said there is a “discon- have investigated or prosecuted at ful detention, but on the subject of free Ahead of the review of Egypt’s said that 86% of vulnerable house- tests, calling it “the most significant nect between the public’s passionate least 22 people for ‘insulting’ the speech “the country is tied in knots.” periodic report by the Pre-Sessional holds were unable to secure their example of an unlawful limitation of demonstrations for freedom and their president or the judiciary.” “The governments have used laws Working Group of the United Na- food needs at the end of 2012. The rights through legislation”. commitment to the legislative and in- The US on Monday also expressed inherited from the deposed president, tions Committee on Economic, Social observatory also reports that 61.7% The law, also passed by SCAF, stitutional reforms needed to protect worry at the growing trend toward Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, to prosecute and Cultural Rights (CESCR), the cen- of vulnerable households spend their “criminalises striking, protesting at their rights against future abuses”. silencing political critics in Egypt. Ac- several people for speech deemed tre released its report detailing the income on food whereas the national work, calling for strikes or taking part Leah Whitson said despite the mas- cording to a press briefing from the ‘immoral’ or ‘harmful to public or- main economic and social problems average is 40%. in strike movement, or any ‘activity’ sive wave of popular protests across United States Department of State, der,’ such as sculptors and bloggers, facing Egypt following the 25 January All of these factors, in combination that can delay or stop work” and ac- the Arab world demanding human the detainment of journalists, blog- but also for ‘impugning the reputation 2011 uprising. with the uprising, have led to an in- cording to the report “clearly violates rights, there still remains “little recog- gers, activists and other individuals of the military,’” Leah Whitson said. The CESCR, a committee within crease in social demonstrations and the rights to strike and to protest, nition among citizens that free speech on charges such as insulting govern- Leah Whitson explained that she the UN Office of the High Commis- protests. As demonstrated in an ear- which were granted by international and independent civil society are the ment officials does not “conform to believes much of the Arab public have sioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), lier ECESR report, Egypt saw 3,817 agreements”. bulwarks of freedom from tyranny”. Egypt’s international obligations,” little regard for international human is reviewing Egypt’s compliance with protests related to labour, social and The report is also critical of the Leah Whitson highlighted Egypt and does not reflect international rights laws which reject an insult as a its obligations under the International economic issues, more than double 2012 constitution that passed at the as an example of this disconnect, standards regarding freedom of ex- legitimate limit on speech “because it Covenant on Economic, Social and the amount of protests in 2010. end of the year, saying it “adversely af- saying while the current leadership pression and freedom of assembly. can easily be used to stifle critics and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The report was critical of President fected” the state of human rights in has pledged to bring an end to sev- Furthermore, the US says it repre- opponents and to restrict the vigor- Poverty rates increased from Mohamed Morsi and his government the country and focuses specifically eral abusive practices, it has relied on sents a step backward for Egypt’s ous public debate that is essential for 16.7% in 2000 to 21.6% in 2009 and as well as the several transitional gov- on children’s rights in relation to child similar restrictions imposed by the democratic transition. government accountability”. increased further to 25.2% in 2011, ernments in power under the rule of labour laws (the new constitution al- ousted president Hosni Mubarak in The US called on the Egyptian gov- “Even in countries like Morocco the report demonstrates. Over 40% the Supreme Council of the Armed lows children to start working at 15) order to curb government critics. ernment to publicly speak out against and Tunisia, where new constitutions of the population lives below the Forces (SCAF), focusing its criticism and the freedom to organise for work- One such old-regime practice the this trend, saying it must protect “the broadly assert respect for free speech, poverty line (less than $2 a day) yet on legislative and constitutional issues. ers and other dissatisfied groups. Muslim Brotherhood had themselves essential freedoms of expression and the authorities continue to jail people 2% of the population controls 98% of Law 4 of 2012, passed by SCAF, The report also goes into other suffered from was the notorious assembly as it has publicly committed for allegedly insulting or defaming the the economy, demonstrating a huge empowers the General Authority for social and economic rights violations Emergency Law, characterised by un- to do.” police or government officials.” discrepancy. Investment and Free Zones to settle such as the increasing privatisation fair trials and arbitrary detention. It is “Again and Again,” Leah Whitson Leah Whitson argues the chal- Inflation is also on the rise, 6.6% with investors charged with corrup- of healthcare and subsequent lack of not surprising, then, that the new gov- stressed, “in my decades of observa- lenge currently facing human rights since January 2012, due to increas- tion outside of court as long as they access to it most Egyptians are ex- ernment allowed this law to expire. tion and meetings in the region, I have advocates is to persuade the public ing prices of commodities like eggs, return “impugned money or goods, periencing. Their approach to freedom of speech, seen widespread support for limits on that “there can be no freedom with- dairy products, and textiles as well as or else pay compensation equivalent It also tackles education, water and however, has not been as lenient. speech, not just in Egypt, but through- out broad space for political speech, increases in electricity prices (due to to the market value of the unlaw- sanitation, housing (15 million Egyptians The statement points out that the out the Middle East.” She continued however obnoxious”. fuel shortages) and housing mainte- fully acquired property at the time live in slums) as well as individual cases current constitution was approved by pointing out, “Many citizens from “It’s far from certain, despite the nance and repairs. the crime was committed” without in addition to stressing on how the new by 60% of the voters, although only a wide cross-section of society see sacrifices made for freedom during Unemployment among women is standing trial. constitution contains loopholes that al- 30% of the electorate participated in no contradiction between the right to the Arab uprisings, that the public as high as 24% in according to figures “This law destroyed all efforts to low Egypt to not adhere to the ICESCR the referendum. “The constitution in- speak critically of government officials recognises how important this issue from the Central Agency for Public end impunity for corruption, one of despite being a signatory. cludes a general commitment to pro- (or their religion) and the ‘right’ of of- is to their future.” 4 DaIly News egypt WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com IN-Focus the struggle: egyptians obtaining foreign visas

By Sarah El Masry section 214b of the US Immigrant and Nationality Act (INA) which stip- The disappointment ulates the assumption that applicants “After three months, I received the are intending to immigrate through passport with a three-page letter in a non-immigrant visa until they con- French rejecting my visa,” Ramy says vince the embassy’s officer otherwise. bitterly. “There are a number of things we Like many Egyptians, 25-year-old look for; what will compel the appli- Ramy planned to apply for a visa to the cant to return to their home country, Schengen area (a scheme that permits what are the professional, financial, internal travel between a large block and family ties. Some people are in of European Union countries) after better positions than others when he had been accepted into a master’s answering these questions. Also the programme in Belgium for 2012. He period of stay can affect the process,” gathered the acceptance letter he re- he explains. ceived from the university in Belgium, These conditions apparently also his visa application, and the required apply to the UK and other European fees and applied for a student visa at visa processes. the Belgian embassy in Cairo. Regarding visa fees, Walsh explains “When I got to the embassy, I was that this fee is for the service the given a pile of papers to fill out. I kept embassy provides; it is for the staff wondering, ‘why weren’t those papers working with applicants, taking their available online on the embassy’s web- fingerprints, interviewing them, and site?’ Some questions required essay processing their online applications. answers. They also required a medical It is for receiving a service no matter examination at a specific doctor that the outcome of the application. the embassy regularly deals with,” Having worked with other embas- says Ramy. sies in addition to the US embassy According to Ramy, the doctor’s in Cairo, Walsh says embassies out- fees were around EGP 2,000 ($300). source some of their services to

“Without a thorough medical ex- Mohamed Omar be more efficient and to overcome amination, I paid the money to get the “I think it’s because our government is not pro-freedom of movement for its citizens,” says Moustafa Khalil, commenting on the low number of countries problems of hiring and understaffing. doctor to sign one of the embassy Egyptians can access using their passport However, applicants pay for services forms. Yes, he was cooperative and such as scheduling interview appoint- the process was smooth, but for only Khalil has also struggled with the ments; if they were to do it through signing some papers, the expense is Schengen visa. the embassy that would have required too much. I also had to translate one “Even though I have gotten the more staff, and would have made the page for around EGP 300,” he says. Schengen visa over 20 times, every process slower. Ramy then waited weeks while time I apply it they (European embas- “If you thought about it, when you his student visa application was sies) treat me as if I’m applying for the have local banks and companies han- processed. By the time his master’s first time... It’s like they assume that dling part of the process it is good for programme had begun he was still you’re a terrorist or a potential illegal efficiency and for Egypt’s economy,” waiting and started to lose hope. He immigrant. They discard the travelling Walsh explains. was enrolled in a Master’s in English history documented in your passport. Walsh asserts that the current visa programme, which was clarified in They really need to come up with a process has been established over the the university’s admission letter sent way that facilitates the process es- years and they are unlikely to change any to the embassy. However the officer pecially for people who are frequent time soon. However, the US embassy at the embassy insisted to speak to travellers,” he says. looks for ways to improve the process. Ramy in French, but Ramy reiterated In order to travel from Egypt to the “For example, we have made visa that his French is only basic. It was Schengen countries for a short visit, renewals through mailing under cer- not until the end of the interview pro- the visa seeker is required to have a tain conditions available on our web- cess was finished that the officer went long list of documents to be complet- site. This means that people do not back to communicating in English. ed before the interview. These docu- have to come down to the embassy “I went back to the embassy and ments generally include an invitation to renew their visas. Which gives our the visa officer who was handling my (if the purpose is not tourism), the visa staff a better chance to handle appli- case treated me inappropriately and application, a written testimony that cants who are issuing visas for the first was uncooperative, although the rest the applicant is not affiliated with ter- time,” he says. of the officers were more diligent. At rorist organisations, health insurance the end after my documents were that covers the period you are trav- Who is responsible? complete I left my passport and was elling, hotel and airline reservations, PhD student Khalil thinks the re- given a case number to follow up on bank statements that cover at least sponsibility for Egyptians struggling my status,” he says. three months preceding travelling, a to get foreign visas is shared between Ramy has received Schengen visas human resources letter (if the pur- Egypt and other foreign countries. before, for business trips to Europe. pose of travelling is business-related) “I think our government needs to But this time he waited three months and previous Schengen visas the ap- be more proactive in trying to work for his application to be processed. plicant may have been granted. with foreign countries in granting Nevertheless, the end was disap- “I do not know why they require us visa-free entries to more countries. pointing and Ramy’s visa was rejected. to have flight and hotel reservations, For example, Turkey has been trying “Even the rejection letter was writ- which are too much... Additionally, to cancel visa requirements for its ten in French, despite informing the these things could be easily forged; citizens when entering Egypt. On the embassy over and over that I’m not they complicate the process for the other hand, our government is not ea- fluent in French. Other embassies traveller,” Khalil says. ger to do the same. I think it’s because have translations even if it was infor- The Daily News Egypt attempted our government is not pro-freedom mal translation, but they still respect several times to contact representa- of movement for its citizens,” he says. the applicant,” he says. tives from the EU delegation in Egypt No official information was avail- To this day Ramy does not know to put across these views, but re- able stating the number of countries why his visa was rejected, and because ceived no response. or territories that Egyptian passport of this incident he does not intend The PhD student also criticises holders can have access either visa to reapply again anywhere in Europe. the policies of some embassies that free or visa-upon-arrival. However, “Come what may, I’m not going outsource some of their services to travel websites and other unofficial

back there. I have been accepted into private companies. For example, the ElSarah Masry sources place the number of such another master’s programme in Can- US embassy and other European em- Administrative processing for US visas sometimes takes between 45-80 days, while for EU Schengen visa it could countries between 51 to 58. This is ada and I’m travelling. The Canadian bassies outsource their interview ap- take several months especially for long stays about one third the number of coun- visa process was clear and straight- pointment system to telephone com- tries an American or a British citizen forward compared to the European panies in Egypt that charge higher fees go through the full administrative period this time, so I’m speculating days. If at the time of the interview can access visa free worldwide. process,” he says. for each phone call. process. that this might be the reason,” he said. the visa required additional adminis- Khalil wonders: “Why do Egyp- “You end up spending a small for- For Abdelrahman, the embassy’s “Additionally, I’m an unmarried trative processing, then the applicant tians have to get visas for every single The struggle tune on the calls while they can cre- lack of communication regarding up- 25-year-old Egyptian male, so I sus- is given a number to track their visa country in Latin America except for Moustafa Khalil is an Egyptian PhD ate an online system for appointment dates of his visa application was his pect I’m in the category of suspicious status online, but this only happens to Ecuador? Why Algeria, Tunisia and student and a resident of the UK. He scheduling or even implement an biggest problem. “I don’t know what people who might stay illegally in the a minority of applicants,” the consul Morocco?” has travelled to about 45 countries. automated system. Other embassies was happening or why the process US. I understand what my case is, but general adds. “That’s why we always “We really need to remove visas Despite his frequent travels, he still hire companies to arrange the visa ap- was taking so much time,” he says. I just wish they communicated the encourage people to apply early on.” for their nationals so that they re- faces occasional troubles when apply- plicants’ papers,” he adds. The embassy asked him to send his problem to me clearly. The administrative processing usu- move it for us,” he adds. ing for visas to Europe, the UK and passport and when he did, the em- “There is no one I know who did ally takes between 45 and 60 days be- These hardships in getting visas the US. The long wait bassy returned it a week after with- not face drama while applying to cause the embassy at Cairo communi- have pushed Khalil to think about ac- He complains about the amount Abdelrahman is a computer sci- out the visa. Then they invited him to US visa.” cates with offices in Washington DC. quiring a foreign passport for the sole of time the UK embassy sometimes entist who applied for a J1 student/ write a statement about his case. Even Abdelrahman’s his visa required this reason of avoiding the painful process takes to renew his student visa. Ac- exchange/ training visa to the US. As after writing the statement, the prob- How does the process work? administrative processing. Regarding of applying for visas. cording to him, the £400 visa renewal a requirement of the visa process, he lem was still unresolved. J. Richard Walsh is the consul gen- this specific case, Walsh assumes that “Foreigners always complain about by post charge is too much, and it also had to finish all his documents and “I feel I have been left in limbo. eral at the US embassy in Cairo. He Abdelrahman’s problem is related to being ripped off in Egypt, but in fact it takes about three months to be ready. receive his sponsor’s letter before The training I needed in the US was asserts that over 90% of visas that customer service rather than the visa is their embassies that make it difficult At the same time a premium visa ap- heading to the embassy. postponed and all my other plans are Egyptians apply for to the US are for process itself. for visitors like Egyptians to come to plication that takes one day to pro- Abdelrahman’s training was currently on hold because of the visa business and tourism. “At the US embassy, we urge our their countries. At least when it hap- cess but costs about £900. planned to last 18 months. problem. I wish they would either re- “We are not limited to granting a staff to deal with applicants according pens in Egypt, it’s done by the people “The discrepancy between the two Having had two American visas be- ject it or tell me what the problem quota for visas; we are limited by the to professional standards. We also en- and not by a policy enacted by the fees is huge, and if the student can take fore (one business and one student), is,” he says. capacity of our staff and physical space courage the applicants to make their government,” he says. one day to renew a visa, why make the Abdelrahman was surprised that his “The only difference between my and we do our best to address the inquiries and ask us questions,” he says. regular postal application take such a application for a third visa was not application now and my applications rising demand,” Walsh states. He explains that the US embassy Names have been changed to protect long time?” he laments. approved on the spot and he had to before is that I’m staying for a longer “Approved visas usually take five deals with applicants according to identities WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 Disclaimer: Commentaries published Daily news egypt 5 by Daily News Egypt do not reflect the position of the paper, but the independent opinions of their authors. commentary www.thedailynewsegypt.com

what are the strengths and weaknesses of the hegemonic state group?

I have mentioned before that the First, like the democratic group, that group. Therefore, the leaders of ers and the state’s security apparatus. inability to run the country. This con- political life in Egypt can be divided the hegemonic state group is con- the hegemonic state group address These conflicts can lead to the suc- firms and fortifies Egyptians’ dream in many ways. In an attempt to anal- cerned with luring Egypt’s Copts those classes in their speeches, fo- cess of the opposing groups, mainly of a strong, fair state. It is a dream yse the political map, I divided it into since they are the biggest opposi- cusing on civil liberties, principals of the ruling political Islamist group or that is rooted not only in the eras three major movements: the political tion to the political Islamist group. citizenship, equality in the eyes of the the oppositional democratic group of Muhammad Ali and Gamal Abdel Islamist group, the democratic group We can say that they have largely law, and respecting the state’s pres- by luring those at the bottom of the Nasser, but also in Egyptian states and the supporters of a hegemonic succeeded in doing this during the tige, and so on. hierarchy. This happened before in throughout history. state. I went into detail regarding the previous presidential elections, One of the most unique traits of many countries during revolution- The strength of the hegemonic third group, which is also known as when Shafiq was capable of acquir- the supporters of the hegemonic ary transitional times. This is more state group can also be acquired feloul (remnants of the former re- ing the largest share of Copts’ votes state is that they don’t serve the likely to happen if the ruling political from the receding popularity of the gime) or the supporters of a nation- in the first round. That was despite same social interests. It was noticed Islamist group responded to the de- Muslim Brotherhood, and doubts alistic state, as they call themselves. I having many secular figures running that the Copts who support them do mands of those at the bottom of the concerning democracy and its prom- concluded that this group presents against him such as Hamdeen Sa- not belong to specific social classes, hierarchy, and improved their living ises. On the other hand, the weak- itself as a strictly conservative one bahy and Amr Moussa, who are also and the same goes for those work- conditions. ness of the hegemonic state group is given that will restore the old state. against the Islamists. As for the sec- ing in the state apparatus. This splits Another weakness is that the Farid Zahran linked to its lack of a regional project, It also presents itself as a revolution- ond round, almost all Copts voted it vertically and not horizontally as group does not present a project or especially with Egypt’s role in the re- ary group since it will renew the na- for Shafiq, and people explain this expected, and it brings us to one of an inspiring dream. Remarkably, the now at its peak between Israel, Tur- gion being dwarfed. In addition, the tionalistic state project, and will be by crediting Shafiq for being outspo- its most pronounced weaknesses, two historical projects of the hege- key and Iran, and even Saudi Arabia group suffers from its leaders’ lack an extension to the era of Muham- ken in his opposition to the Muslim which is also a point of strength. This monic state group, of Muhammad as well. Egypt’s local economic and of appeal due to their old age or mad Ali or Gamal Abdel Nasser. It Brotherhood. He also hinted, many vertical support inside the state ap- Ali and Abdel Nasser, were linked to political issues do not help, since it their links to the previous regime. promises to restore the advantages times, that he would use all tools paratus is one of the group’s points regional ambition. The project failed cannot adopt a regional project in Finally, the group will suffer the most of the nationalistic state, but will get available to suppress the Muslim of strengths. However, any positive due to international rejection. such circumstances. During the time if those of a lower social status were rid of its flaws. Generally, the most Brotherhood and send them back decisions that affect those working Now, the regional scene looks of Muhammad Ali, the regional proj- lured away from it especially that the prominent figures of this group to where they belong. in state apparatus would lead to a more depressing than ever. While ect’s goal was to acquire the Otto- upper classes are competed upon by joined the Mou’tamar (Conference) Many people in different state ap- split in the hierarchy. It must be not- there was regional emptiness dur- man state’s riches, and during Abdel all of the three groups due to so- Party led by Amr Moussa, and the paratus, including the Armed Forced ed that those workers suffered from ing Muhammad Ali’s era due to the Nasser it was to free the Arab world. cial reasons and ones related to the Egyptian Patriotic Movement led by and security apparatus, adopt the po- the intrusion of the state’s security Ottoman government’s weakness, In short, there is no regional void state’s identity. Therefore, the hege- Ahmed Shafiq. litical views of the hegemonic state apparatus, which is supposed to be Ali tried to fill that void. Similarly, which requires Egypt to fill, but there monic state group cannot guarantee I will try in this article to present group, and they are even considered at the heart of the hegemonic state Abdel Nasser tried to fill the void are state-run regional projects that all of the upper class joining its rank. the social background of the group, operative members of that group. group. Therefore, there is a social left by the end of colonisation. Now, want to employ Egypt. and the nature of those that it rep- Finally, a major section of soci- conflict due to the different classes the regional scene suffers from be- Conversely, we can say that what Farid Zahran is a publisher and resents, and I will also try to show ety’s upper and upper-middle class, working for the state, and there is a ing too crowded and competitive. makes the hegemonic state more ap- writer. He is the co-founder of the its strengths and weaknesses. especially the secular ones, support conflict between the younger work- In other words, regional rivalry is pealing is the Muslim Brotherhood’s Egyptian Social Democratic Party

op-ed review: sinai and the armed Forces editor’s letter it is sinai that is abducted one columnist claims that the whole of sinai is the problem, and dis- Fahmy howeidy cusses how media and political forces failed, and the other discusses the rebel campaign, Al-Shorouk Newspaper armed Forces’ role in the current crisis.

Hamas’ role in Sinai’s current state of sions and those of Egypt. “Our hostile affairs. He explains that “some official neighbour who harbours expansive beyond legalities reports quickly blamed Hamas for any greed continuously upgrades its mili- incident in Sinai”. tary ability,” Al Bahrawy exclaims. He Tamarod (Rebel) is a campaign targeted 15 million until the end The columnist does not wish to also laments that the Egyptian author- aiming at collecting the biggest of June, as it is planned on that separate between Sinai and Egypt’s cur- ity and people do not seem to care number possible of signatures day that “all” who signed will go rent state. He blames others for daring about the huge gap between the two by Egyptians, who agree to with- to the presidential palace and de- to overstep their boundaries when ad- military powers. draw confidence from President mand early presidential elections, dressing the ruling authority, and their Another aspect that he laments is Mohamed Morsi. The campaign or otherwise they will declare civil disregard for law and order. “I do not rule that the Egyptian government and op- caught significant attention in the disobedience. out that this atmosphere was an encour- position seem to continuously try to media, local and international, and On the other hand and under Maher haMoud aging factor to increase challenges of au- make the Armed Forces side with one in the daily political arguments the fear of the momentum Rebel thority and the disregard of it.” He adds party over the other. “We do not see among ordinary Egyptians. Rebel has gained, Islamists with their two question of legality made a split Columnist Fahmy Howeidy, who is that the circumstances in Sinai do not these attempts in societies with ma- as a non-traditional tactic of op- fractions had to react and launch among the Egyptian legal and known for siding with the ruling party, differ from any other governorate, with ture democratic traditions,” he explains, position, or as some consider as two counter-campaigns. Ta’yeed political elites, and has been the addresses the issue of the kidnapped the difference being that the kidnapped “where everyone preserves the army as a move for bringing down the by the Brotherhood youth, which topic of a couple of talk shows, soldiers in his latest article. He begins are soldiers instead of citizens. a national force that is distanced from Muslim Brotherhood’s regime, is means support in Arabic. And for and against. However, the aver- by mentioning that the rate of violence He is surprised at those blaming both government and opposition.” creating some controversy. Many Tagarod by the Salafis, which age citizens apparently could not in Sinai has increased since the revolu- President Mohamed Morsi for not tak- He explains that this kind of prac- optimistically see it as a feasible means emptiness or nakedness care less. tion. “Winds of rebellion have always ing action. He also mentions the different tice ruins democracy, making the ruling means of ousting Morsi and call- as a poetic rhythmic mockery of Actually, beyond the legality of run through Sinai due to the security conspiracy theories that have surfaced party believe that it “owns the whole ing for early presidential elec- the Rebel campaign, pronounced Rebel and the whole elite argu- policies that have governed the coun- as explanations for the kidnapping. He country, and it is free to act as it pleases tions, while others see it as a ri- as Tamarod in Arabic. ments, there are three signifi- try during the past decades,” he writes. mentions that people considered it an as if [the country] is a family heirloom. diculous, illegal and useless action, Both Islamist Ta’yeed and Tagarod cant benefits from this campaign, “The same policies treated the people attempt to humiliate the army or that it In addition, this makes political oppo- with variations of other opinions campaigns use obedience tenden- whether it succeeds forcing Morsi of Sinai as suspects.” was an attempt to force the defence min- sition forces resort to chaos and vio- in between. cies of their followers, who might and the Muslim Brotherhood out He explains that in the past, when- ister’s resignation. He also blames others lence.” He mentions that Taha Hussein It is not very clear who’s be- be relatively diminishing. They also of the palace or not. ever a breach of security happened in Si- for not bringing up the issue of “Sinai’s explained this kind of state during the hind Rebel, but obviously it is a call for respect of the outcome of First, Rebel is now working as a nai, the people were always humiliated, abduction and that it will not be solved liberal monarchy period. group of very optimistic and ac- the electoral process that brought revolutionary thermometer mea- citing the Sharm El-Sheikh bombings as until the state’s power is restored by re- He expounds on why he fears in- tive revolutionary youth from all Morsi to power. Both seem to be suring the ability of mobilisation in an example. He credits his uncle; for- vising the peace agreement with Israel”. cluding the military in issues of internal colours of political and revolution- not working very well. post-Mubarak Egypt and determin- mer defence minister and intelligence He adds that Egypt needs a more politics. Firstly, he believes that this will ary backgrounds. The campaign that Supporters of Morsi in both ing if people are still able to respond head Ameen Howeidy, for establishing aware opposition and not one whose drain the Armed Forces. He notes that launched on 22 April managed to anti-Rebel campaigns keep to demands of change based on the connections with the heads of tribes in only concern is to topple the regime. many Arab armies have collapsed after attract massive support all over the spreading different types of ru- stock of optimism they might have Sinai. Howeidy explains that his uncle He then warns against adopting a mili- revolutions and civil wars. Secondly, he country, even from ordinary apoliti- mours against the campaign and kept since the 18 day euphoria of blames the National Security Appara- tary solution to the crisis while ignor- predicts that the military’s inclusion in cal citizens, who simply do not see those participating in it as “anar- Tahrir in 2011. tus for ruining the relationship between ing a political one. He also warns against politics will delay the development of the any positive change in the horizon chists aiming at spreading chaos Second, At the end of the cam- the people of Sinai and the government, adopting oppression as the method for democratic process, and will hinder the under Morsi and his group. in the country”. As a result, many paign on 30 June, we will be pro- and that only the army treated them solving the problem. progress of political parties. According to Rebel’s official Rebel members were attacked in vided with an extremely rich up- well. That is why the grip on Sinai has “Therefore, I say ‘yes’ to Al-Sisi’s call spokesperson Mohamed Badr, talk- the streets in different locations to-date source of data about the dwindled over the years. Yes to al-sisi, october’s army and on all political parties to find a mode ing to Al-Shorouk newspaper: “The across the country, some were demographics of political activism, He then goes through the list of in- democratic maturity of communication to be able to deal campaign aims at rebelling against shot with bucket bullets, some which in turn will be very useful in cidents of the past two years in Sinai: dr ibrahim al-Bahrawy with each other, and to warn them the grey status the country has were arrested by the police and future planning by the revolution- 16 soldiers were murdered in Rafah; Al Masry Al Youm Newspaper ‘the army is like fire so don’t play with reached,” which appeals to the ma- finally the prosecutor general has ary youth and opposition. the Al-Zohour neighbourhood attack it’.” He then demands that the Muslim jority of Egyptians including many ordered investigations into mem- Third, If the campaign reaches on peacekeepers; the Al-Awja security Brotherhood allow serious dialogue of the five million, who voted for bers of the campaign. Ironically, its 15-million-signature goal, it checkpoint attack that led to seven in- between the different political and him during the first round of elec- all of this is working as an excel- might provide the “opposition and juries; the attack on the Armed Forces social entities, and to reunite them all. tions last year. lent PR for Rebel. Ridiculously, old revolutionary stars” with a last cement factory; the attack on Al-Nakhl He also demands the opposition stop Following its launch, the campaign politicians are never tired of re- golden chance to maturely team Police Station that led to a fatality and trying to topple the president and try did not pick up quickly, given its obvi- peating Mubarak’s mistakes over up, politically mobilise and use the an injury; and finally the seven kid- instead to reopen the dialogue con- ous low budget and inability to do and over. momentum of people’s awakening napped soldiers. cerned with Egypt’s rebuilding. proper PR. However, two weeks The anti-Rebel campaigners have for enforcing real change bringing He explains that there is a general lack “I hope that both the rulers and op- were more than enough to make managed to raise only one single the revolution back on the right of information regarding the social and position forces fear God in handling my 65-year-old apolitical mother valid argument among the public: track. geographical nature of Sinai. “I was told Egypt, and to seek calmly and wisely the call in order to let me know that legality of the campaign. However, I doubt our mighty for example that there were 16 hotspots building of correct and mature democ- she signed Rebel’s confidence with- Morsi supporters claim that opposition heroes are up to the of Jihadist activity, but their sizes and lo- racy, which will reserve the ruler’s right drawal petition. withdrawing confidence from a average citizen’s maturity and cations were not accurately known.” to issue policies and the opposition’s So far, the campaign successful- president does not exist in the persistence. He blames political and media figures Columnist Dr Ibrahim Bahrawy begins right to keep the dialogue going without ly managed to collect more than constitution and is considered for linking Sinai with Gaza geographi- his article by lamenting the vast differ- makeshift barriers that confiscate ballot three million signatures out of the to be an illegal action. Such a [email protected] cally, and alludes to people hinting at ence between Israel’s military expan- boxes,” Al-Bahrawy concludes.

Published by Business News for Press, and Sales and Marketing Director Distribution under License from the Supreme Editor Chairman Chief Editor Deputy Editor Politics Editor Sara Abou Bakr Art Director Ramy Kamal Council of Journalism Maher Hamoud Daily news Mostafa Sakr Saad Zaghloul Laurence Underhill Arts & Culture Editor Adel Heine Abdel-Azim Saafan 12 Haroon St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt Rana Allam Circulation Manager egypt Business Editor Ahmed Arafa Tel: +202 37486853 | Fax: +202 37486936 Sally Kandil [email protected] 6 Daily news egypt WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com Business government seeks to tackle mounting electricity woes egypt reaps EnErgy subsidiEs sEt to incrEasE to EgP 23bn, grid currEntly oPErating at 86% caPacity egp 13.5bn By Salih Al-Manufi total usage, compared to 32% for in custom Egypt’s industrial sector, an abnormal Electricity and Energy Minister ratio by global standards. He went on Ahmed Imam recently stated that to state that the opposite should be duties electricity subsidies are set to in- true, pointing out that Egypt possess- crease over the coming fiscal year to es 44,000km of high voltage power A report reveals that from EGP 23bn, which will also include the lines, in addition to 500,000km me- cost of fuel used to operate electricity dium to low voltage lines. July 2012 to mid-May this production stations. He was followed by Abdel Sitar, year Egypt achieved 65% He went on to say that Egypt’s elec- who highlighted the potential for tricity grid was currently operating at the nation’s imams and preachers of customs revenue goal 86% capacity, one of the highest in the to help influence citizens to change world, producing 26,000 megawatts of their consumption patterns, noting Finance Minister Fayad Abdel Mo- energy per year as opposed to its maxi- that the Ministry of Endowments had neim said that he recently received mum potential rate of 30,000 megawatts recently released a statement forbid- a report from Fuwad Al-Khabati, the per year. This comes slightly below the ding mosques to consume electricity president of the Customs Authority, country’s 2012 production rate, which during morning hours, and calling for which stated that from the period totalled 27,000 megawatts. the replacement of traditional fila- beginning 1 July 2012, and ending He further pointed to the newly ment light bulbs located throughout midway through this May, the au-

operational Abu Qir production sta- Hassan Ibrahim facilities with more energy-efficient thority’s revenue intake increased tion, which will contribute upwards of Home consumption of electricity represented 43% of the country’s total usage alternative light bulbs. to EGP 13.5bn. This represents 65% 1,300 megawatts of energy per year Ahmed Tubar, the advisor to the of the government’s stated target of to Egypt’s national grid, but noted that Al-Dasuqi, president of the Egyptian tion, saying that such a discussion at reining in the ministry’s monthly president of the cabinet’s Informa- EGP 20.7bn for the 2013 fiscal year, operations had temporarily ceased at Electricity Holding Company; Gamal mosques could potentially be framed spending on electricity to EGP 1.8m tion and Decision Support Centre, as put forth in the country’s current three production stations in the Banha, Abdel Sitar, first undersecretary of within a religious context. a month, or one fifth the current reinforced the idea that all mosques public budget. North Giza and Ain Sokhna regions. the Ministry of Endowments; Muham- He further pointed to the need rate. Spending rates could especially and places of worship, in addition to He said that EGP 12.5bn were These statements came during a mad Al-Sheikh, president of the Cairo to crack down on the theft and sale be cut, he said, if one took into ac- people’s homes, would be targeted acquired through customs duties symposium organised by imams and Electricity Production Company; and of electricity on the country’s black count the fact that global electric- as part of an electricity consumption imposed on Egyptian imports, with preachers from the Ministry of En- Aktham Abu Al-Ala, undersecretary market, which has effectively cut the ity prices in British Thermal Units reduction campaign. an additional EGP 485m reaped in dowments, attended by a total of 55 of the Ministry of Electricity. ministry’s revenues from the sale of (BTUs) were currently $14 per mil- Such a campaign would be launched taxes imposed on exports. EGP religious leaders, engineers and busi- Al-Dasuqi, speaking on behalf of electricity to below 80% of expected lion, while the Ministry of Electricity and organised from within three of 380m were also earned from taxes nessmen. The symposium was held Energy Minister Imam, said that the income, making it difficult for the gov- and Energy acquired energy at $15 the centre’s main headquarters, which imposed on tobacco imports, in after a recent inspection tour was country’s imams and preachers could ernment to pay back loan premiums per million BTUs. would then serve as a model for other addition to EGP 87.8m collected completed of an electricity produc- play a large role in helping citizens to to fund the construction of additional Al-Dasuqi further stated that per- government buildings and institutions in fines. EGP 16.4m in additional tion station located North Cairo. understand and appreciate the need production stations. sonal home consumption of electric- as to how best to efficiently use and funds were collected from the sale Notable guests included Gaber to scale back electricity consump- He discussed the possibility of ity represented 43% of the country’s consume electricity. of seized goods. Cairo government Finance Minister: new reform plan for petroleum sector By Ibrahim al-Masri of this year. Essam Al-Erian, the Shura Council’s majority leader, stated that launches bid to ease Finance Minister Fayad Abdel Moneim subsidies were a right enjoyed by the said that the government would soon poor and not a privilege, and that to unveil a new plan to reform the country’s say otherwise was wrong. road traffic via water petroleum sector, provide electricity The majority leader went on to say subsidies and ensure the safe transport that Egypt would get through its current of natural gas to factories. crisis, noting that the government was transport During a meeting held by the Shura responsible for cutting spending, regu- Council’s Economic and Financial Affairs lating markets, and increasing Egyptian International auction to sell 15 marina boats will be held Committee, Moneim said: “No sound production rates. in coming months economic policy can be created that Verbal altercations later broke out

is not based on statistics and data and / Khaled DesoukiAFP Photo between Al-Faqi and Salmy Al-Sharbiny, By Badawi Shalbi Kamel praised the efforts of mar- does not give true indicators regarding In the national budget of the current fiscal year EGP 100bn is allocated for president of the Internal Affairs Division itime contractor cleaning service the economic capabilities of each indi- petroleum subsidies of the Petroleum Ministry, regarding cor- Osama Kamel, governor of Cairo companies operating throughout vidual citizen.” Markets No. VolumeruptionValue(LE) within the ministry.Trades Al-Sharbiny governorate, said that an interna- the city, particularly that of Urba The finance minister added that it Committee member Ashraf Badr Al- ure to implement a smart card system rejected such accusations saying that the tional auction will soon be held to 2000, whose work is limited mostly was necessary to make available reliable Din stated that only those who wield in Egypt,Listed pointing to this as169 evidence59,016,321 that documents239,684,618 from the Petroleum11,229 Ministry sell the rights to own and operate to southern Cairo. He added that statistics about recipients of subsidised money and influence within Egypt have the government has not taken any steps were available to all, and that she would 15 marina boats throughout the government authorities are seek- petroleum products those in a way that the capacity to secure government en- to combatStocks the pervasive level169 of corrup59,016,321- not accept239,684,618 such insults regarding11,229 her col- governorate, as part of a new plan ing to restructure their contracts ensures transparency and social justice. ergy subsidies, which totalled EGP 205bn tion foundPDBonds within Egyptian 0society. 0 leagues and staff.0 Al-Faqi responded0 say- to develop its river transport sys- with such companies, pointing out Head of the Economic and Financial in the public budget of the current fiscal Petroleum Minister Sherif Hadarra, ing that a war would soon be launched tem and lighten the traffic load on that that no such contract would Affairs Committee Mohamed Al-Faqi year, EGP 100bn of which was for pe- however,Bonds was quoted recently0 saying 0 against corruption0 within the ministry,0 Cairo’s streets. last longer than three years, and said discussions would soon be held troleum subsidies. This translated into that theNilex country’s smart6 card pro229,182- not necessarily592,677 against certain124 individu- He stated that 22 million trips that contracts would be nullified with representatives from the Central roughly EGP 100 per person in Egypt, gramme had already been paid for, with als, but that statistics and documents were made per day throughout the if the quality of service were ever Auditing Organisation and Ministry of with a family of five taking in only EGP all requiredOTC cards already14 purchased,96,385 would be4,912,133 requested over the coming28 fis- governorate using various forms of to deteriorate or if contract terms Petroleum to clarify all points of view 500 in subsidised energy every month. which Dealswould be in the hands14 of citi96,385- cal year, a4,912,133 position which was supported28 transportation. were violated. about energy subsidies. He criticised the government for its fail- zens by either August or September by Al-Din. Orders 0 0 0 0 Total 189 59,341,888 245,189,428 11,381 Daily EGX30 index performance Total Market Cap 363,285,851,063

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 34.75 34.59 -0.20% 0.06% 33.86% 34.80 34.40 30.55 883,280 20,801.63 EGX 30 5,407.25 -0.46% -1.01% NSGB NSGB Banks 27.80 27.74 -0.11% -21.22% -7.90% 27.81 27.68 0.227 8,189 12,316.99 EGX 70 448.73 0.01% -5.94% Ezz Steel ESRS Basic Resources 9.94 9.98 -0.89% 0.50% 44.64% 10.10 9.93 5.43 543,845 5,470.68 ELSWEDY ELECTRIC SWDY Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 19.80 19.99 -0.20% -12.75% -12.17% 20.00 19.80 1.244 62,243 4,475.06 EGX 100 755.74 -0.19% -5.57% Markets No. Volume Value(LE) Trades MRRIDIVE MOIL Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 1.05 1.05 -0.94% -9.48% -5.41% 1.06 1.04 0.39 53,177 379.90 EGX 20 Capped 6,204.90 -0.56% -2.16% AIC Contracting AIND Financial Services excluding Banks 0.45 0.46 0.00% -2.13% -14.81% 0.46 0.45 0.428 930,011 245.93 Listed 169 59,016,321 239,684,618 11,229 Stocks 169 59,016,321 239,684,618 11,229 Amer Group Holding AMER Financial Services excluding Banks 0.55 0.55 0.00% -14.06% -17.91% 0.56 0.55 1.01 1,835,673 1,671.83 Market Brief PDBonds 0 0 0 0 EK Holding EKHO Financial Services excluding Banks 1.05 1.05 -0.94% -17.97% -2.78% 1.06 1.04 2.400 327,751 889.65 Volume Value No. of MarketsDirectionBonds No.No.0 Volume0 Value(LE)0 Trades0 EFG-Hermes HRHO Financial Services excluding Banks 9.26 9.29 -2.00% -15.62% -17.50% 9.46 8.54 29.44 3,168,082 4,534.23 Nilex 6 (000's)229,182 (LE592,677 000's) Trades124 Pioneers Holding PIOH Financial Services excluding Banks 4.05 4.04 -0.98% -16.87% 4.12% 4.10 4.00 1.952 483,411 2,040.00 Listed 169 59,016,321 239,684,618 11,229 OTC 14 96,385 4,912,133 28 Citadel Capital CCAP Financial Services excluding Banks 3.42 3.43 -2.28% -9.26% 14.72% 3.47 3.40 7.91 2,304,098 2,294.55 Listed stocks 169 59,016 239,685 11,229 StocksDeals 16914 59,016,32196,385 239,684,6184,912,133 11,22928 Raya Holding RAYA Technology 5.30 5.29 -1.31% -6.54% 2.32% 5.32 5.25 0.312 58,980 344.24 Orders 0 0 0 0 GainersPDBonds 280 11,8210 54,0490 2,4510 Telecom Egypt ETEL Telecommunications 13.63 13.62 -0.58% -3.75% 7.16% 13.70 13.57 12.48 915,748 23,386.88 Total 189 59,341,888 245,189,428 11,381 Orascom Telecom Media And Technology OTMT Telecommunications 0.49 0.49 0.00% -10.91% 31.58% 0.50 0.49 8.332 17,003,720 2,570.39 TotalBonds Market Cap 0 0 363,285,851,0630 0 Decliners 100 18,635 163,835 7,732 Orascom Telecom ORTE Telecommunications 4.71 4.72 0.43% 18.89% 51.77% 4.76 4.68 20.17 4,272,694 24,654.75 Nilex 6 229,182 592,677 124 Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals SKPC Chemicals 13.01 12.99 0.31% -1.96% 5.35% 13.04 12.93 1.497 115,220 6,798.75 Egyptian Financial and Industrial EFIC Chemicals 9.35 9.36 -0.53% -5.65% -10.60% 9.40 9.30 0.88 93,990 652.13 UnchangedOTCIndex 1441 Value96,38528,560 Daily4,912,13321,801 Ch. YTD1,04628 Ch. AMOC AMOC Oil and Gas 67.50 67.45 -0.59% -7.84% -19.74% 67.98 67.18 0.166 2,461 5,841.89 DealsEGX 30 14 5,407.2596,385 4,912,133-0.46% -1.01%28 Juhayna Food Industries JUFO Food and Beverage 9.6 9.59 1.80% 24.71% 124.59% 9.65 9.40 1.25 130,497 6,651.03 EGX 70 448.73 0.01% -5.94% OrdersEGX 100 0 755.740 -0.19%0 -5.57%0 Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) OCIC Construction and Materials 237.60 237.25 -1.15% -5.99% -12.65% 240.00 236.80 21.698 91,457 50,145.22 EGX 20 Capped 6,204.90 -0.56% -2.16% Delta Construction & Rebuilding DCRC Construction and Materials 5.79 5.78 -1.03% -7.37% 3.21% 5.88 5.68 0.13 22,014 134.94 Total 189 59,341,888 245,189,428 11,381 Modern Co. For Water Proofing WATP Construction and Materials 1.66 1.67 -1.18% -6.70% -38.15% 1.69 1.65 1.859 1,114,030 172.38 363,285,851,063 Total Market Cap Volume Value No. of Palm Hills PHDC Real Estate 2.34 2.33 0.43% -4.51% 28.02% 2.35 2.30 14.19 6,092,751 2,432.10 Direction No. (000's) (LE 000's) Trades TMG Holding TMGH Real Estate 4.19 4.18 -0.71% -5.64% -0.48% 4.22 4.15 8.984 2,149,314 8,687.60 Listed stocks 169 59,016 239,685 11,229 National Real Estate Bank NRPD Real Estate 17.81 17.99 -0.55% -9.78% -5.07% 18.40 17.77 1.96 108,981 70.60 Index Value Daily Ch. YTD Ch. Six of October OCDI Real Estate 21.00 21.01 -0.14% 3.34% 26.19% 21.20 20.90 9.488 451,534 1,907.83 Gainers 28 11,821 54,049 2,451 El Kahera Housing & Development ELKA Real Estate 6.2 6.21 -0.64% -5.48% 38.62% 6.27 6.18 0.45 72,318 585.94 EGX 30 5,407.25 -0.46% -1.01% Decliners 100 18,635 163,835 7,732 Arab Cotton Ginning ACGC Personal and Household Products 3.61 3.64 -1.09% -17.27% 42.19% 3.67 3.61 4.881 1,341,025 974.52 EGX 70 448.73 0.01% -5.94% Oriental Weavers ORWE Personal and Household Products 21.61 21.97 1.24% -5.71% 32.91% 22.00 21.60 0.37 16,710 1,953.00 Unchanged 41 28,560 21,801 1,046 EGX 100 755.74 -0.19% -5.57% Egyptian Tourism Resorts EGTS Travel & Leisure 0.93 0.94 0.00% -10.48% -12.96% 0.94 0.93 0.162 173,658 987.00 EGX 20 Capped 6,204.90 -0.56% -2.16%

Volume Value No. of Direction No. (000's) (LE 000's) Trades Listed stocks 169 59,016 239,685 11,229

Gainers 28 11,821 54,049 2,451

Decliners 100 18,635 163,835 7,732

Unchanged 41 28,560 21,801 1,046 WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 Daily news egypt 7 Business www.thedailynewsegypt.com new Central Bank regulation to hit local money markets CBE tightEns limits on tiEr 1 Capital in monEy markEts; BEltonE to takE BiggEst hit

By Farah Atia decision. The Central Bank will be before issuing any new short-term out gradually,” he explained. “This their funds without damage.” towards placing deposits at com- playing its role as the regulator money market certificates. will happen through refund opera- According to the Central Bank of mercial banks instead of investing The Central Bank of Egypt is cutting by ensuring the balance sheets of It is predicted that Beltone Capital tions till the limit is reached. A lot Egypt, over EGP 20m of money mar- in money market funds. Lending to down the amount that banks are able banks are safe and sound and the will bear the biggest losses, being the of companies will be harmed cutting ket and fixed income funds belong the government was a big source of to invest from their tier 1 capital in tier 1 capital is adequate.” biggest player in the market. By the money market funds’ revenues by as to Banque Misr, one of the Egyp- income for commercial banks. The the local money market from 5% to The local money market industry end of 2012, the company was manag- much as 50%”. tian state-owned banks. The bank budget deficit, currently at 11.5% only 2%. comprises eight local financial insti- ing EGP 32bn, the majority in the form Unlike privately operated mon- has been named the “Best Provider of GDP, has pushed the Egyptian “It seems like a random deci- tutions that provide money market of money market and fixed income ey-market funds, fund managers are of Money Market Funds in Middle government to borrow from local sion,” said Yousef Kamel, fixed funds, with a total asset base of nearly funds. The company is currently man- assuming state-owned banks will East” for the years 2008 and 2012 banks. income analyst at Rasmala. “The EGP 70bn. aging a total of EGP 25bn EGP worth not be harmed. “The National Bank by Global Finance. Other fund managers continue regulator of money market funds is The total amount of funds that of assets. of Egypt, on the other hand, holds Nearly all money market fund to see this regulation as completely the Egyptian Financial Supervisory banks are able to invest in all money According to Kamel, the 7.5% limit the biggest deposit base,” Kamel investments are used to buy high- unjustified. “There are no obvious Authority (EFSA), not the Central market and fixed income funds has is estimated to result in outflows of pointed out. “7.5% of deposits will interest bearing government secu- reasons for why the central bank is Bank of Egypt. EFSA is the regula- also been limited to 7.5% of a bank’s EGP 12bn pounds from money mar- still make up a much bigger amount rities, leading some fund managers imposing this limitation,” Kamel said. tor of asset managers who will be local currency deposits. ket and fixed income funds. “This than what the bank can actually sell to worry that the central bank is “Removing key contributors to the directly impacted by this decision. Banks will have to cut down their isn’t going to be a run on money in the form of money market certifi- looking to reduce government in- money market will do no good. The Still, there is a good side to this funds to the imposed percentages market funds; this money will move cates. They can continue to market terest rates by directing people decree is largely vague.” Forex government hopes to acquire egp iMF: inflation expected auctions 3bn in direct foreign investment at 10.9% this year carry on Settles dispute with United Arab Emirates real estate developer DAMAC and levies large fines The Central Bank of Egypt continues By Muhammad Ayad development company and passing EGP 130m, in addition to EGP 32m to hold foreign exchange auctions, it to Egypt’s New Urban Communi- in arrears. with $38.4m sold yesterday at EGP Investment Minister Yahya Hamed ties Authority (NUCA). Al-Din said that the company 6.972 cut-off price to the US dollar. said that the government is seeking Tariq Wafiq, Egypt’s Minister of further paid EGP 113m in accrual In the previous auction on Thursday, $3bn in direct foreign investments Housing and Urban Communities, fees for changes made to the con- $38.5m were sold at a cut-off price of during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. said that during negotiations the tract terms of the company’s Park EGP 6.9660 to the dollar. Hamed added that he had recently government had met all of DAM- Avenue territory, bringing the total The quoted buying price per dollar secured promises from Ahmed Hei- AC’s demands while still maintain- amount paid by the company for on the black market is EGP 7.40 while kal, president of the board of direc- ing the integrity of the state and not that particular property to EGP the selling price is EGP 7.45, showing a tors for the investment group Cita- squandering public money. 275m, close to the EGP 300m de- slight weakening in the Egyptian pound del Capital, that the company would President of the Tourism Devel- manded by the Nazif government compared to last Thursday’s rate of pump large amounts of investment opment Authority Tariq Saad Al- in office before the outbreak of the

EGP 7.30 and EGP 7.37 respectively. into Egypt over the coming months. Din, who was present at the signing 2011 revolution. / Khaled DesoukiAFP Photo “The Egyptian pound will stable Hamed further stated that he was ceremony between DAMAC and Al-Din further restated that DAM- In April the consumer inflation jumped to 8.1% amid rising food and out, the current free market price at currently in negotiations with Nassef the Egyptian government, said his AC had forfeited 100% of its claims to energy prices EGP 7.40 is quite close to the Cen- Sawirris, President of Orascom Con- authority would set about redraw- the Hyde Park territory, totaling 4.7 tral Bank’s cut-off price. The spread is struction Industries, to secure further ing the boundaries for property million square meters and valued at By Nada Badawi Egypt’s newly-appointed Invest- getting narrower,” said Mohab Aguina, investment for the country. recently forfeited by DAMAC in EGP 290m, to NUCA. ment Minister Yehia Hamed said ear- chief technical analyst at Beltone. Hamed said that he also recently the Gulf of Gamsha, which totaled DAMAC also further dropped two Inflation in Egypt is projected to climb lier this month that the shortfall will Despite the optimism, the current signed an agreement with Saudi in- 30 million square meters. The land claims recently made to the Interna- to 10.9% by the end of 2013 fiscal year, be 11.5% of the country’s GDP in the political insecurity and the unsettled vestor Fuwaz Al-Hakir to provide would once again be opened up tional Center for the Settlement of the highest level since 2010, the In- fiscal year 2012-2013. International Monetary Fund loan are funding for a mall in 6th of October for new investment, in the hopes Investment Disputes challenging at- ternational Monetary Fund (IMF) re- Tax hikes were first introduced last seen as contributors to the weaken- City for a price of EGP 840m. they could secure rates from other tempts made by the International ported yesterday. December by President Mohamed ing of the pound against the dollar. Egypt’s government recently companies higher than those paid Criminal Court (ICC) to fine and “Inflation is expected to rise in Morsi, who also acts as a legislative “The current solution is settling the settled its dispute with the United by DAMAC. imprison the company’s president, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, authority, but were quickly rescinded IMF deal, while we work on reforms. Arab Emirates real estate developer Al-Din noted that DAMAC was Hussein Sagwani. reflecting recent and planned subsidy due to public outcry. This will in turn lead to more foreign DAMAC over a number of proper- set to reclaim $5m in previous pay- The ICC had previously charged cuts and, in some cases, pressure from The decision to raise taxes was direct investments and will boost ties throughout the country, after ments made for land in the Gulf Sagwani with five years in prison monetisation of fiscal deficits and sup- made in order to keep Egypt eligible tourism which should stabilise the nearly two years of negotiations. of Gamsha after administrative and EGP 237.5m in fines for his ply shortages,” a report on the IMF’s for the proposed $4.8bn IMF loan pound,” said Yousef Kamel, a fixed in- New contracts signed between the fees were deducted and commis- involvement in the embezzlement Regional Economic Outlook for the package. come analyst at Rasmala. two parties stipulated that DAMAC sion fees paid for changes made of public funds by Soheir Garra- Middle East and Central Asia read. Negotiations with the IMF have The auctions are the govern- pay an additional EGP 145m to re- to terms of purchase for the com- nah, a previous Egyptian minister The report also expected the in- been postponed more than once due ment’s solution to saving the Egyp- claim the right to construct its “Park pany’s Park Avenue territories. He of tourism, which occurred during flation rate will further rise to 11.6% to political turmoil following the 2011 tian pound from a currency crisis. Avenue” real estate project on the added that in order to settle their DAMAC’s 2006 purchase of 30 mil- in 2014, as the Egyptian government protests that ousted former presi- Since the end of December, the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, in dispute with Egypt’s government lion square meters of property in continues to introduce tax hikes and dent Hosni Mubarak. value of the pound has fallen by 11% addition to forfeiting its ownership over territory owned in the Gulf the Gulf of Gamsha, located in the curb subsidies. Foreign reserves and tourism rev- on the foreign exchange market. share of the Hyde Park real estate of Gamsha, DAMAC paid a total of Red Sea province. In April, Egypt’s consumer infla- enues were hard hit by the political tion jumped to 8.1% amid rising food upheaval. and energy prices and the Egyptian “It will be necessary to press on pound’s devaluation. with structural reforms that deepen eFg Hermes asset Management named Zawya’s Best Mena asset The IMF’s outlook report further trade integration, streamline regula- predicts Egypt’s budget deficit to tions, increase institutional account- Manager of the year with multiple first place rankings shrink to 8.7% next year, after it re- ability, remove impediments to busi- corded 11.3% of the country’s GDP ness entry and exit, modify labour EFG Hermes wins a total of five Zawya MENA Funds Ranking Awards, including the overall top ranking for Best MENA in 2013. market regulation to encourage hir- The budget deficit hit 10.7% in ing while maintaining adequate work- Asset Manager of the Year, three awards for its Egypt-based funds and one for a Qatari fund 2012. er protection,” the report stated.

EFG Hermes, the leading investment deliver and outperform the market. I bank in the Arab world, has been believe our edge lies in our in-depth named “Best MENA Asset Manager knowledge of the local market and of the Year” with a total of five wins our ability to identify local market on the 2012 Zawya MENA Funds opportunities even during chal- Daily news Ranking Awards, including three lenging times,” said Khalil El-Bawab, egypt first-place finishes for Egypt-based managing director of the Egypt Fixed funds and one for a Qatari fund. The Income Division at EFG Hermes As- As a valued DNE newspaper reader, please recognition underscores the divi- challenging on many fronts but we feel has been proven worthwhile set Management. “We are now in an sion’s continued ability to innovate we managed to top the rankings given the high recognition and praise excellent position to capture new e-mail our circulation manager to activate and outperform the market despite across all categories with our we have received both regionally and opportunities as the market begins challenging conditions. Egypt-based Money Market, Equity, locally as we continue to pioneer the to recover.” your subscription The Al Massy Fund, which has con- Balanced and Islamic Funds,” said industry,” said Kashif Siddiqui, head Led by industry veterans across sistently received awards for outper- Nabil Moussa, head of Asset Man- of EFG Hermes Asset Management three countries, EFG Hermes Asset forming its peers, was named “Best agement in Egypt. “The diversity of and co-CEO of the Investment Bank. Management, the largest on-the- [email protected] Egypt Balanced Fund”, while the our product offering, as well as the The performance of EFG Hermes’ ground team in the region, controlled EFG Hermes’ Egypt Fund won “Best expertise of our outstanding team, funds in the first quarter of 2013 con- AUM of more than $3.4bn at the end Egypt Equity Fund”. The Al Baraka has been key to our success over tinued to be exemplary, with Money of 4Q 2012. The division provides the Subscription Period: Discount: Final Price: = per copy: Bank Egypt Fund was named “Best the past year.” Market Funds achieving the first most diverse product line in the Arab Egypt Equity Islamic Fund”, and the In 2012, the division was named place ranking with an average return world with multiple top-ranked funds, 1 to 25 daily copies: Al Waseela Fund was named, for the “Egypt Asset Manager of the Year” of 10.53% versus a market average and serves a broad range of regional Six Months: 12% LE 458 LE 3.52 first time, “Best Qatar Equity Fund for the second time in three years of 10.26%. Equity and Islamic Equity and global institutional, foundation / of 2012”. at the MENA Fund Manager Per- Funds have also topped the Egyptian pension / insurance, and sovereign Twelve Months: 14% LE 898 LE 3.44 The prestigious awards on the formance Awards, which also gave market in the first quarter of 2013. wealth fund clients. The team man- 26 to 100 daily copies: Zawya ranking are a further testa- recognition to the Crédit Agricole Equity funds were ranked second ages 17 country-specific and nine ment to the proven track record of III Fund as “Money Market Fund of through sixth, outperforming the regionally dedicated funds. Six Months: 20% LE 422 LE 3.20 strong performance and innovation the Year” and the Al Massy Fund as market average by 2.14%, while Is- The Zawya MENA Funds Ranking, Twelve Months: 25% LE 792 LE 3.00 by the Asset Management Division “Balanced Fund of the Year”. lamic Funds achieved the top two announced by Thomson Reuters, is and add to an impressive list of hon- “Over the past 18 months we have positions, outperforming the market an independent ranking system and 101 and more daily copies: ours already earned for overall per- worked diligently to revamp the in- average by 1.56%. the “MENA Asset Manager of the Six Months: 30% LE 369 LE 2.80 formance in 2012. vestment process and investment “The fixed income team has Year” award is decided through a 40% LE 633 LE 2.40 “Last year was operationally structure within the division, an effort proven their ability to consistently competitive voting process. Twelve Months: 8 Daily news egypt WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 art & CUltUre Art should make a statement and Culture is what surrounds us. events new exhibition intimacy is well worth visiting Music Flying carpets By Thoraia Abou Bakr semble sculptures. “If you look at all the forms and then extract them from These days walking around town is disco House There is a sense of familiarity that the paintings, they will emerge as stat- like being forced to partake in a vi- Cairo Jazz Club is hosting French hits you as soon as you enter Dr ues,” she said. “Look at this painting; cious obstacle course. You cannot Saria Sidky’s new exhibition at the Pi- the woman’s body is actually flat, but hide on the pavements since cars, DJ Jean for a night of boogie- casso Art Gallery in Zamalek. It is as your eyes think it is materialised.” She chairs, children and assorted gar- inducing tunes, and he will be if the characters in the paintings are artfully uses meticulously-placed lines bage have taken over these havens joined by local talents Safi and inviting you to come and chat with to trick the eye into seeing 2-D paint- originally intended for pedestrians. Amr Hosny. them. Indeed, the animated women ings as 3-D. You are forced out in the open and Cairo Jazz Club featured in the exhibition, titled “In- “I learnt this when I studied Islamic share the roads with the madness timacy”, seem ready to jump out of art, which transforms the [artistically] that is Cairo traffic. And then the 197 26 of July Street the paintings and into your life, and cheap into something precious, by fun really starts. Adel Heine Agouza, Cairo if you focus, you might just see them using metal sheen. I started reading Seemingly suicidal maniacs on buy some carpets and my first re- Tel: (02) 3345 9939 walking across the gallery, with their things about Gestalt theory, and how mopeds slalom at terrifying speeds action was: “Go to Mohamed the 22 May 10pm smiling faces beaming at you. the eye shuts down on the figure. So, on missions to deliver anything and Carpet Man.” Much to my surprise

Mirroring her work, Sidky herself Bakr Abou Thoraia for instance, if I leave one line out of everything, with a few purse and this hero of floor coverings is not as is a warm and inviting person. When The paintings in the exhibition are the painting, the eye won’t be able to phone grabbers thrown in for good well known as I thought, consider- Aida I entered the gallery she was filming inviting and easy to relate to form the pronounced figure,” Sidky measure. Taxis are playing a real life ing their puzzled expressions. In my The Cairo Opera House is with a TV channel, but as I stood and explained. video game that only they know the circle of friends he is a legend and it showcasing Verdi’s masterpiece, watched her speak, she instantly took “If any style or influence can add Another very noticeable aspect rules of, small moped-pickups plod has become tradition to celebrate Aida, which will be sung by notice, smiling at me as if we were to your work, then what would be of the exhibition is the colourful na- along in complete oblivion of the a new apartment with a trip to his old friends. the problem?” the artist exclaims. ture of the paintings. “These are my honking minibuses that surround store. the Cairo Opera Company Her passion for sculpting is appar- She credits the Faculty of Art Educa- colours, the ones I wear daily,” she them and cars squeeze three rows Mohamed has a very small shop and accompanied by the Cairo ent. She talks about how sculpture tion at Helwan University, where she commented. It is her first coloured- thick through small alleyways with off a courtyard that leads off the Opera House Ballet Company. was the main topic that attracted her studied, for encouraging her to ex- paintings exhibition. She credits her utter disregard for your body parts. street of the tentmakers, in the Cairo Opera House attention since childhood, recalling periment with unconventional artistic husband, Dr Mostafa Razaz, for push- If only the men would adopt that middle of a bustling and impover- Grand Hall the trips her father used to take her methods, free from the constraint of ing her to use colours in her paintings. same attitude. ished neighbourhood. It is maybe on to Ancient Egyptian monuments. any “taboos”. “I told him that I do not paint with Many seem to feel that now four metres wide and deep, but has Borg El Gezira Street She believes that the art of the An- Sidky describes her painting pro- colours, so he opened my closet and you are in this open air arena you a high ceiling and is packed with Zamalek, Cairo cient Egyptians had a great influence cess as a “stream of consciousness”, said ‘aren’t these colours?’” are fair game. Leering looks, rude stacks of carpets of all colours, Tel: (02) 2739 0144 on her style. “I never copied the [artis- explaining, “I never know if the statue “When I want to paint a woman asides, insulting suggestions and sizes and materials. Once you tell 22 May 8pm tic] method of the ancient Egyptians, will be a woman or a man or old or that is fully-covered, like many women general lewd commentary provide him what you are looking for he, but when I am affected by something, young as long as I am still working on here, I used the lithograph technique, a soundtrack to the gropers and ha- or one of his staff, starts climbing it is usually of an emotional nature,” it. There is a constant dialogue be- which employs the use of tar to cre- rassers that let their hands wander barefoot over the stacks, pulling out Exhibition she explained. tween me and the form.” ate shades; the heavier the tar, the where they have no business be- what might be to your liking. Sidky believes in the spontaneity of She admits that her method is un- deeper the shade,” Sidky explained. ing. And that is just what happens With practiced flicks of his intimacy her work: “I talk to these characters, conventional, pointing out that “most “For instance, the painting of the peas- in broad daylight on an average wrist he shakes out the carpet Dr Saria Sidky showcases her and that is a type of meditation,” she people would sketch their statues ant carrying a water jar, the woman is stroll around the neighbourhood. and drapes it over the stacks to said. She also explained that there is first, and then proceed accordingly, dancing, and that is optimism.” In crowded places and under the show you the pattern. And contin- latest work, exploring the no particular influence in her paint- but even when I use a sketch, I alter Cats are also present in her art- cover of darkness the real preda- ues doing so until you have found dynamic existence of the female ings, but that she gets inspired by peo- it as I am working.” Sidky credits sur- work. She explained that she loves tors come out to assault and rape what you wanted. In this process in her new exhibition at Picasso ple who pass through her life. While realist Joan Miró for inspiring her to cats and one Siamese cat in particular, whoever happens to cross their stacks fall as men clamber over Gallery. she admits that her work draws in- follow the spontaneity of the subcon- which she had before getting married. paths. them, carpets fly and a riot of co- Picasso Art Gallery spiration from a number of cultural scious. “He would paint a form and Although Sidky never paints Siamese It is exhausting to be so aware lours and patterns transform the influences she has studied, Sidky does then this form would inspire the next cats because it is too painful for her, of your surroundings and ready for little shop into a cave-garden of 30 Hassan Assem Street not intend any one influence to super- form he painted,” Sidky explained. she says that all the cats she paints are anything and it is not that long ago cotton and wool. I love it there Zamalek, Cairo sede the rest, and if this happens, it is She styled the paintings to be so this specific cat, who was her constant that I could indulge in one of my and the experience never fails to Tel: (02) 2736 7544 by mere chance. pronounced that they appear to re- companion. favourite pastimes: roaming around make me happy. 22 May 10am Cairo neighbourhoods in peace. I was a bit apprehensive this My introduction to Cairo was time around, worried that the in the company of one of my best state of the streets would spoil Hybrid CBC Media academy within KidZania® Cairo supports freedom friends, a Cairene at heart and one of my favourite traditions. But Artist Shaimaa Sobhy mixes of speech and enriches the self confidence of egyptian children. proud of her city. I did not see any nothing could have been further humans with animals to create pyramids or museums, but I visited from the truth. As we made our some innovative creatures in her With a unique experience, CBC chan- several ancient mosques, was taken way through the busy shopping nels cooperate with KidZania® Cai- to treasure troves as the bookbind- streets that offer textiles of ev- new collection at Gallery Misr. ro, to discover and support the early ers, artisan shops, hole-in-the-wall ery variety, including racy under- Gallery Misr media talents in children. By building restaurants and the gem that is the wear, and assorted house ware 4 A Ibn Zenki Street CBC’s Television Studio inside KidZa- Tentmaker’s street. to the local population, not one Zamalek,Cairo nia® Cairo, children who are looking Not everything was hunky-dory bad word was directed our way. Tel: (02)27350604 forward to work in the field of media of course; the filth of the streets Nobody actually paid much atten- in the future can start now! was overwhelming, traffic terrifying tion to us, people were just going 22 May 11am Tarek Zidan, KidZania® Egypt and the rampant poverty humbling. about their days, and when a man governor said: “In KidZania® Cairo But the people were nice; they wel- brushed his arm past me because Women and dervishes/Tan- we were keen to add, within different comed us with friendly banter and it was crowded he turned around noura simulation models, a TV station mod- Mohamed Hany, managing director of CBC channels and Tarek Zidan, jokes about how tall I am or simply and apologised. el to instill a proper basis of media KidZania® egypt governor ignored us, just two other people My friend found exactly what he Al Kahila Art Gallery is housing work in children from an early stage.” walking around the street. This is wanted and walking back through two exhibitions, Women and Zidan added: “The work inside gettable experience that gives them television program is made, starting where my explorative walks were the winding streets with our arms Dervishes by Ali Azzam and Tan- CBC station in KidZania® Cairo the chance to express themselves from the ideas and content prepa- born. full of carpets I realised I felt a lot noura by Taher Adel Azzem. is fun and includes an introduction and their ideas freely.” ration until the moment where the I was thinking of the difference safer and more at home than I have Al Kahila Art Gallery to all production stages of a televi- Mohamed Hany, managing direc- audience watches it on television between now and then when I was in the posher areas of town in the sion program. This allows children to tor of CBC channels, explained that screens. This helps the children to getting ready to take two Egyptian past few years. It was good to know 15 El Batal Ahmed Abdel Aziz produce the television program in an CBC Media Academy inside KidZa- understand the great effort and de- friends to one of my favourite plac- that even if much has changed in Street entertaining educational form which nia® Cairo introduces the children tails exerted in the production pro- es in Cairo, the area around Bab Zu- Cairo, a trip to Mohamed the Car- Mohandessin, Giza makes them pass through an unfor- to an integrated approach on how a cess of TV programmes. weila. One mentioned he wanted to pet Man is still magical. Tel: (02) 3304 0791 22 May 11am

Covering One’s Back CiC-tate collaborative exhibition challenges A collection of photographs from professional photographers viewers’ perceptions of image and reality from Switzerland and the Arab By Fanny Ohier show is an enquiry into how this filmmaker Chris Marker. “We were World. medium, which surrounds us in our blown away by the way he handled Gezira Art Centre Visual art pieces from seven inter- daily life, can be as deceiving as it storytelling, and his ideas on the 1 El Masrafy Street national artists are currently being is seductive. It’s also about the fine relationship between image and Zamalek, Cairo exhibited at Contemporary Image line between seeing what is real and narrative,” Hamza said. Collective (CIC) in Downtown what is an illusion,” she explained. Each one of the seven artists Tel: (02) 2737 3298 Cairo. The international collabo- Indeed, the exhibition questions presents his own reflection on how 22 May 10am ration was initiated by London’s the responsibility of the viewer for video and moving images distort TATE Modern art museum, and deluding himself. reality. Through her work “Dis- the CIC will be hosting the exhibi- About two years ago, with the sonance”, Manon de Boer shows tion, titled “Objects in Mirror are help of the TATE Modern’s cura- the influence films have on our Closer than they Appear” until 12 tor Kasia Redzisz, Aleya Hamza senses, by presenting the reaction Weather June. The nine video installations selected seven contemporary art- of a dancer who begins to impro- and films featured in the exhibition ists to participate in the exhibition: vise after hearing a violin sonata. Wednesday, 22 May question visitors on their percep- Herman Asselberghs and Manon de Ján Mančuška’s art piece “Double” Alexandria 29°C / 20°C tions; how much do they trust the Boer from Belgium, Egyptian art- interrogates us on the line between reality of the images in front of ists Sherif El-Azma and Maha Maa- the act itself and its re-enactment. Aswan 40°C / 26°C them? moun, as well as Patricia Esquivias His short film shows two men tell- Cairo 35°C / 22°C The main idea for the exhibition, from Venezuela, the Norwegian vi- ing one unique story, the first man Hurghada 38°C / 26°C said its independent curator, Aleya sual artist Lars Laumann, and Ján being muted and the other one tell- Luxor 40°C / 26°C Hamza, came from the observation Mančuška, who is originally from ing the story in a disproportionate that images are perceived different- Slovakia. way. Sharm El-Sheikh 38°C / 27°C

ly by people. “The viewer, and his The two organisers of the ex- The exhibition is free and open Ohier Fanny Suez 32°C / 19°C imagination, plays a very important hibition were influenced in their every day from 12pm to 9pm, apart role in completing any story. The choices by the work of the French from Friday. interactive exhibition challenges perceptions of visitors