aily EWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARYD 21, 2013 N Issue No. 2132 newstand priCe Le 4.00 EGyPT www.thedailynewsegypt.com Egypt’s Only Daily Independent Newspaper In English

John Kerry to visit Cairo GivinG ‘the fuzz’ a new meaninG a theatre Group empowerinG women Newly appointed state secretary’s Cairo Supreme Court rules in favour BuSSy offers theatrical accounts diplomacy tour of the Middle East of allowing police officers to grow of harassment and gender issues will include a stop in Cairo beards 2 3 in Egypt 8

NSF threaten Civil disobedience enters day four in Port election boycott Said, reaches ismailia Elections not NSF priority at present and party will boycott Protesters block roads to eastern port and place balloons inscribed with SOS on the canal

if its demands are not met By nouran el-Behairy By Joel Gulhane The NSF called on President Mo- hamed Morsi and the Freedom and Civil disobedience in Port Said en- The National Salvation Front (NSF), Justice Party “to bear the responsi- tered its fourth day on Wednesday, Egypt’s largest opposition bloc, says bility for the economic and social de- rejecting the presidency’s attempts that it will boycott the upcoming par- terioration suffered by the country in to calm the unrest. liamentary elections if the “demands light of irresponsible intervention by The presidency had issued a of the nation” are not met. the group in all aspects of the state”. statement on Tuesday stating that The NSF held a meeting on Tuesday The statement highlighted the need President Mohamed Morsi submit- and published a statement which reiter- to “take serious measures to punish ted a new law proposal to the Shura ated the demands of the bloc and stated the killers of the martyrs all over the Council to re-launch Port Said’s free that it would not participate in elections country and appoint judges to investi- trade zone. unless these demands are addressed. gate all crimes of those responsible”. The statement added that Morsi Khaled Dawoud, spokesperson On Wednesday, NSF leader and decided to allocate EGP 400m of for the NSF, confirmed the plan to head of the Al-Dostour Party Mo- Suez Canal’s annual revenues to the boycott the elections. He added that hammed ElBaradei, through his development of the canal governor- the party’s “priority now is not the official Twitter account, called on ates of Suez, Ismailia and Port Said elections but to pressure the Muslim Morsi to “establish an independent and providing new jobs for their Brotherhood to make changes”. commission with full powers to in- residents. In Tuesday’s statement the NSF vestigate barbaric torture against Protesters refused to settle, block- outlined its demands, calling for a detainees”. He added that “inaction ing the road to the eastern port new prosecutor general, a politically is a crime”. Wednesday morning; the army at- neutral legal committee to review the He also said that Morsi’s regime tempted to convince protesters to constitution and the postponement “has lost legitimacy and will bear the open it but they continued to lie in the of elections until there are guarantees consequences. The people and the road blocking entrances to the port.

of transparent polling with national world will not stand silent”. “The Eastern port is very impor- / Stringer AFP Photo and international observers. The NSF statement also voiced tant; it controls the containers traffic,” egyptian protesters close the main road leading to the town of port fouad from port said city The statement demanded a non- the group’s support for the Al-Nour said Mahmoud Qandil, an accountant partisan government that can be Party’s initiative to solve the political and one of the protesters. the protests. ing against President Morsi and the nal; however navigation in the canal trusted by all parties to be “efficient, crisis. The Salafi party and the opposi- He added that protesters stopped As in the previous three days, Muslim Brotherhood. wasn’t affected, according to AFP. impartial and bear the responsibility tion bloc have met twice recently and buses carrying port workers from protesters marched to government Large balloons with SOS inscribed to solve the problems of the masses”. have agreed on a unified vision. passing and some workers joined facilities and industrial areas chant- on them stood facing the Suez Ca- Continued on page 2 initiative to stop ‘crimes of the regime’ al-Jamaa al-islamiya forms “unarmed Human rights organisations call for sweeping action to crack down on recent wave of torture squads” to confront outlaws

By Basil el-dabh Al-Jamaa teams up with 13 other Islamists parties, pursues coordination with Ministry of Interior

A group of 13 human rights organisa- By rana muhammad taha members would be trained to face Al-Sherif stated that the mecha- tions presented a 10-point initiative violence peacefully, but they would nism was trialled during the party’s to stop the “crimes of the regime.” Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya is establishing be allowed to use tasers. “Usu- protest last Friday and proved to be The group highlighted in its state- “popular squads” responsible for ally such people, blocking roads a success. He added that Al-Jamaa ment that recent weeks have seen a confronting outlaws and resolving and breaking the law, are small in Al-Islamiya youth also succeeded sharp increase in violations by the road blockages peacefully. number and thus easy to control in convincing protesters to resolve Ministry of the Interior, especially of Khaled Al-Sherif, Building and De- and negotiate with,” Al-Sherif said. a railway blockage in Beni Suef last citizens detained in demonstrations velopment Party (BDP) spokesper- “Sometimes they are paid to exer- week. “It was done peacefully with- and public protests. “While some of son, said the “squads” would try to cise violence.” out any bloodshed,” Al-Sherif said. those crimes represent a continu- convince those blocking roads to end ation or return to a pattern of sys- the blockage in order to ease traffic tematic and widespread torture that congestion. The BDP is the political prevailed in the era of the former wing of Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya. aswan: a city of charm regime, some even exceeded those “The squad members would in- crimes,” said the group. clude a variety of volunteers, not The statement criticised the presi- just members from Islamist move- dency and other government institutions ments,” Al-Sherif said. He said that for not strongly condemning atrocities 13 other Islamist parties, such as committed by the police and not seeking the Al-Fadila, Al-Asala, and Al-Shaab to hold perpetrators responsible. parties, are contributing to the “Repeated requests to open an in- squad. He added that they are try- vestigation into sexual assaults were ing to convince the Muslim Broth- ignored,” they added. erhood and the Al-Nour Party to

The statement also expressed dis- page Mahalla 6 April Facebook join the squads. The squads are ex- appointment in the presidency’s lack image from early february that shows political activist mohamed Gamal pected to be active within weeks. of any official plans to restructure the bearing signs of what is claimed to be torture Al-Sherif denied that the squads Ministry of Interior or amend the Po- would be armed. “Our motto is to lice Act, and actually pushing for more the present day. The group also called They also called on the govern- fight violence using law,” he said. He police powers as demonstrated in the for the immediate investigation into ment to withdraw the current draft stated that the squads would be le- current draft protest law. leaders and members of the Muslim protest law and form an independent gal as they are pursuing collabora- The first point of the group’s ini- Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice committee to carry out investigations tion with the Ministry of Interior. tiative called for the dismissal of the Party (FJP) for the detention and tor- of the deaths and injuries that occur The squads would negotiate with interior minister and his referral to ture of citizens during clashes at the by the hands of the police. outlaws or those blocking the roads investigation for the killing of protest- presidential palace at the beginning of and convince them to end their

ers from 25 January of this year up to last December. Continued on page 3 actions, Al-Sherif said. The squad ElSarah Masry the spectacular view of aswan’s islets and villages overlooking the nile from one of the highest hills in the city Egyptian Stock Exchange Commentary Winter months are the best time and enjoying a felucca on the Nile to 7.2035 7.603 Closing Daily Change Zahran says: to visit Upper Egypt, and while you strolling around the botanical gardens EGX 30 5,609.32 -0.24% are there, make sure to visit the or shopping in the local market for 6.7325 6.7626 When a nation finds itself consumed wonderful city of Aswan. No matter Nubian treasures, Aswan has it all. by war or strife, inevitably some will how you get there, whether flying Aswan is the perfect place to take a EGX 70 475.78 -0.87% 8.9626 9.3881 decide to remove themselves from straight into the airport or enjoying few days to relax if you are on a tour the equation and occupy their time a Nile cruise, be sure to take a few of Egypt or for a long weekend to get 10.2388 10.725 EGX 100 805.64 -0.69% with trivial matters days to explore the city and all is away from the big city and enjoy the has to offer. hospitality of Upper Egypt. 1.786 1.807 EGX 20 6,513.67 -0.54% page 5 From visiting beautiful remnants of temples built thousands of years ago feature on page 4 2 Daily news egypt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com

women protest oppression and insults al-nour party reaffirms Female demonstraters gather in front of prosecutor general’s office, protest against its commitment to offensive statements made by the Shura Council, Abu Islam, and Hesham Qandil national dialogue Vice president of Al-nour sAyed MustAfA KhAlifA confirMs coMMitMent to nAtionAl diAlogue AMidst rift with presidency

By Joel Gulhane dent’s advisor for environmental af- the Shura Council because they be- fairs. Khalifa described Alam Eddin’s lieved that the Freedom and Justice Sayed Mustafa Khalifa, the vice presi- dismissal as “grave”. Party had pushed through legislation dent of the Salafi Al-Nour Party, re- Presidential spokesperson Yas- on money lending. The group attend- affirmed his party’s commitment to ser Ali denied claims that Alam Ed- ed the first session but in the break national dialogue to solve the cur- din’s dismissal was due to his po- the Al-Nour representatives left the rent political crisis. litical affiliation. Ali said that “the chamber, reported Al-Ahram.

Speaking to state-owned Al-Ah- decision to dismiss [Alam Eddin] The Al-Nour Party has recently Salah Fady ram, Khalifa said that Al-Nour has a was made regarding him person- demanded the resignation of Prime Female protesters demonstrate outside the prosecutor general’s office responsibility to the nation to partici- ally, and is not related to his party Minister Hesham Qandil and his pate in national dialogue. He added affiliation”. cabinet, the legal appointment of By Fady Salah eo published on 1 February, Abu Islam able to march or chant, because she that “we are all partners in the politi- Following Alam Eddin’s dismissal a new prosecutor general, and the commented on the sexual harass- has a message to deliver. “No one will cal process to achieve the interests of another Al-Nour Party member, Bes- creation of a committee to super- Tens of women gathered on Wednes- ment incidents, describing women be able to muzzle Egyptian women; Egyptian citizens, considering that the sam Al-Zarqa, resigned from his post vise amending the newly-passed day in front of the prosecutor gener- who were harassed as “fighters for we won’t be scared away,” she said. citizens are the only party that can as the president’s advisor for political constitution. al’s office, in the High Court complex, the devil”. Maqlad said that the Muslim Broth- judge us”. He also rejected attempts affairs. He resigned to show solidar- The Salafi party officially met protesting against statements insult- Protesters also chanted slogans erhood won in the previous elections “to drag the party into verbal battles”. ity with Alam Eddin and to express twice with the National Salvation ing women made by several high pro- against Prime Minister Hesham Qa- by deceiving Egyptians. “Their shame- There have been reports of a rift his disapproval with the presidency’s Front to discuss common demands, file figures recently. ndil in reaction to his statements about ful policies have shown Egyptians the between the presidency and the Salafi decision. which were presented to Morsi last Protesters demanded the depar- women. Qandil claimed that babies fall true face of the Muslim Brotherhood. party recently following the dismissal The rift deepened on Wednesday week. ture of President Mohamed Morsi. ill with diarrhoea because mothers do Now they have lost the support of the of Al-Nour Party member Khaled when the party announced that it Additional reporting by Basil El- According to Hala Kamal, one of the not wash their breasts properly before masses,” she added. Alam Eddin from his post as the presi- will boycott the evening session of Dabh protesters, Morsi is dragging Egypt breastfeeding their infants. Maqlad said that statements issued back into the Middle Ages. “They said women’s voices are by Qandil, Abu Islam and members of Protesters brandished signs ex- shameful, but women’s voices can ig- the Shura Council reveal the inten- pressing their anger over government nite revolution” and “Abu Islam Abu tions of the ruling regime, adding that Fifteen Detainees Released in Qubba policies and stating their demands. Islam, don’t ever appear on media out- women’s activism would rebel against They criticised the Shura Coun- lets again” were among the most fre- attempts to oppress them. Qubba criminal court releases 15 detainees arrested in clashes last Friday cil for the recent statements it has quent slogans chanted by protesters. On the calls for military to inter- made about women, blaming female Shahenda Maqlad, a prominent fe- vene in political affairs, Maqlad said that By Emily Crane testers and police outside the presi- detainees didn’t have anything to do protesters for sexual harassment male activist and the secretary gener- Egyptians respect the military because dential palace, said Malek Adly, an with the violence.” and claiming that women should not al of the Farmers Union, attended the it belongs to them and not to the rul- Public prosecutor Ahmed Ismail of Egyptian lawyer at the Centre for The court initially sentenced the participate in protests. Head of the protest. Maqlad came to prominence ing authority. However, she said, the the Qubba criminal court ruled to Economic and Social Rights. They detainees to 15 days in prison pend- Asala Party Adel Afifi said that wom- after a Morsi supporter was photo- army should concentrate on protecting release 15 detainees from custody were charged with violence, vandal- ing investigation, according to Al-Ah- en should protect themselves before graphed forcibly shutting her mouth Egyptians from Muslim Brotherhood on Wednesday, according to state- ism, and unruly behavior, according to ram. However they were forced to asking security forces to do so. during protests at the Itihadiya presi- “militias” rather than reassuming power. owned Al-Ahram. Al-Ahram. release the detainees today because Abu Islam, an extremist Islamist dential palace two months ago. The number of protesters did not The detainees were arrested last “The police arrested everyone in the charges against them were insuf- preacher, also blamed women for Maqlad said she is attending the exceed a few hundred and there was Friday during clashes between pro- the streets,” Adly said. “Most of the ficient, Adly said. sexual harassment. In a Youtube vid- protest, although she is old and un- no exceptional police presence. awlad ali tribe accuses el-Zend of seizing their lands John Kerry to Visit Cairo Members of the Awlad Ali tribe seek to sue El-Zend, demanding that his judicial immunity be waived US Secretary of State will travel to nine countries in Europe and the Middle East By Fady Salah prosecutor general Tala’at Abdallah at the time of the protest. Protest- By Emily Crane Members of the Awlad Ali tribe pro- ers held signs calling for El-Zend’s and Joel Gulhane tested on Wednesday in front of the judicial immunity to be removed and prosecutor general’s office, demand- accusing him of fraud. The United States Secretary of State ing that Judge Ahmed El-Zend, head Mo’men did not give details on his John Kerry is planning to visit Cairo of Egypt’s Judges Club, has his judicial meeting with Abdallah. He said that this month as part of a two-week, immunity removed. Abdallah told him the final decision multi-country diplomatic tour to The tribe members accuse El- regarding El-Zend’s immunity would kick off his term, according to a press Zend of illegally seizing 400 feddans be taken in one week, as investiga- statement issued by the US Depart- of their lands. As he has judicial im- tions are still ongoing. ment of State on Wednesday morning. munity, they are currently unable to On the timing of the protest, Kerry will be meeting with various sue him. Mo’men explained that the former officials, political leaders, civil society Sarhan El-Bayomy, a protester prosecutor general, Abdel Meguid leaders and businessmen to “to en- from the tribe, said that the lands Mahmoud, was a personal friend of courage greater political consensus Samad / Jewel AFP Photo seized by El-Zend are agricultural El-Zend and so he would not have and moving forward on economic US Secretary of State John Kerry is lands located in Matruh. He said taken action against him. reforms”, the statement said. His trip set to visit nine countries in Europe that El-Zend took the lands by force Mo’men added that 15 members is schedule 24 February and will last and the Middle East in 2008 after crops began to grow of the tribe were detained in 2009 until 6 March. there. He added that the land was a when they tried to reclaim their land. Media spokesperson for the Egyp- the most stable way possible. Why? desert until the El-Sheikh Zayed Ca- Mo’men claimed that El-Zend tian foreign ministry, Nazih El-Neg- Because Egypt is a quarter of the nal was constructed, providing water hired armed bodyguards to protect gary said that they would be discuss- Arab world, because Egypt is criti- for agricultural irrigation. the seized land, adding that the Awlad ing a variety of topics. cal to peace with Israel and with the El-Bayomy claimed that mem- Ali tribe had owned these lands for “We will be discussing the Palestin- Middle East, the only Arab country bers of the tribe have official docu- thousands of years. ian peace process, the Syrian issue and that’s made peace with Israel, Jordan ments proving their ownership of The Awlad Ali tribe is one of general regional and bilateral issues,” included.”

the lands. Salah Fady Egypt’s larger tribes. Its members said El-Neggary. In his address, he lauded the work Abdel Fatah Abdel Aziz Mo’men, Members of the Awlad Ali tribe protest agricultural lands seized from them live in the governorates of Alexan- Kerry has also invited Secretary of his predecessor, Hilary Clinton, head of the Awlad Ali tribe, met with near Matruh dria and Matruh. General for the Arab League Nabil in the region, and highlighted the El-Araby to meet with him during his importance of building on it now. visit to Cairo, according to the press Clinton had several encounters with statement. Nada Elegeze from the President Mohamed Morsi during her Civil disobedience enters day four in port Arab League press office confirmed term, the most notable of which was that they had received an invitation when the two brokered a cease-fire but have not yet decided on a specific between Israel and Hamas. said, reaches ismailia date for the meeting or the topics to However, Kerry is no stranger to be discussed, as El-Araby is in Moscow Middle Eastern politics himself, having Continued from page 1 “A large number of employees re- calls, we will be able to pressure the civil disobedience in the governor- until Sunday for the Arab-Russian Co- served as chair of the Senate Com- fused to go to their work, responding government to respond to our de- ate. Protesters called for justice for operation Forum. mittee on Foreign Relations from The Egyptian Centre for Economic to calls to a civil disobedience parallel mands,” Ibrahim added. protesters killed during clashes on In an address to the US Agency for 2009 to 2013. and Social Rights reported that ca- to that of Port Said,” said Ahmed Ibra- He also said that escalation steps 26 January. International Development on Friday, “John Kerry knows the region,” nal guides that aid ships in navigat- him, political activist in Ismailia and may include a protest in front of the On Monday, Port Said Governor Kerry emphasised the importance of El-Neggary said when asked what he ing the canal, threatened to go on a former Al-Dostour Party member. Suez Canal Authority in Ismailia. Ahmed Abdallah announced that sustaining US aid to Egypt. thought of Kerry’s appointment as the strike on Thursday which can affect He added that residents in support Unrest had erupted earlier this Minister of Justice Ahmed Mekki had “In Egypt today, they are facing an secretary of state. canal traffic. of the disobedience and some politi- week in several governorates as calls assigned a judge to investigate the extraordinary challenge of dimin- In addition to Egypt, Kerry will be In Ismailia protesters gathered cal groups were holding a meeting for civil disobedience escalated in violent clashes. However, this failed ished reserves, instability, new gov- travelling to the United Kingdom, on Wednesday morning in front of with labour leaders in Ismailia. Port Said and spread to other gover- to mollify protesters in Port Said. ernance, huge challenges of subsidies, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Saudi the governorate building and the “If workers of the Industrial Zone norates such as Kafr El-Sheikh. Protests are expected in several how do they transition their econo- Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and city council in solidarity with Port and the Investment Authority in Is- Marches had swept Port Said early governorates on Friday in solidarity my?” Kerry said. “It’s in our interest Qatar, the State Department’s press Said. mailia respond to civil disobedience on Sunday, responding to calls for with Port Said. to try to help make that happen in statement said. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013 Daily news egypt 3

www.thedailynewsegypt.com abdallah al-ashaal appointed secretary initiative to stop general of nCHR ‘crimes of the regime’ Shura CounCil replaCeS the eight memberS who reSigned in november Continued from page 1 to Victims of Torture released a re- port detailing incidents of torture By Nouran El-Behairy general is chosen from amongst the Ahmed Seif Hammad, Ahmed Ha- Al-Ashaal stated that the council The human rights organisations also that occurred between 1 December members. rara, Ehab Al-Kharrat, Hanna Greis, had three main goals. Firstly, it aims called for the publishing of a final re- 2012, and 10 February 2013. Dur- The National Council for Human The Shura Council appointed eight Abdel Khaleq Farouk, Mohamed Zarea to raise citizens’ awareness of their port examining the killing and injur- ing that period, the report claimed Rights (NCHR) appointed Ambassa- members to the NCHR earlier in Feb- and Wael Khalil all resigned. They have rights and duties and the culture of ing of peaceful protesters from 25 it collected data on 63 people killed dor Abdallah Al-Ashaal as secretary ruary: Ahmed Suleiman, Emil Habashy, reportedly disagreed with the council’s human rights in general. January 2011, to 30 June 2012, after by police, 28 injured, six imprisoned general for the council. Ayman Nour, Bahaa El-Din Abo Shu’a, stance on the presidential declaration Secondly, the NCHR hopes to em- which investigations and recommen- without rights, two electrocuted, one The unanimous decision to appoint Abdel Fattah Khattab, Mohamed Al- issued in November, the domination of power citizens using media, NGOs, dations from the report would be whipped, 29 raped, four had their Al-Ashaal was taken on Tuesday. He Gawady, Monsef Suleiman, and Mo- Islamist members over the council, and and workshops. implemented. heads shaved, four incidents of drag- has held the post temporarily since hamed Fahmy Al-Damaty, who was ap- the politicisation of the council. Thirdly, as stated in Article 80 of The statement also recommended ging on asphalt, 29 tortured in front Ambassador Mahmoud Karem’s res- pointed vice president of the NCHR. Earlier this week, Al-Ashaal received the constitution, the council should the formation of a group that would of security personnel, 28 detained ignation in December. These members were appointed the European Union Special Represen- protect rights and freedoms, re- monitor detention facilities and sub- in illegal places, and two incidents of The council consists of president after previous vice president Abdel tative for Human Rights Stavros Lam- cord and report any human rights ject them to random inspections to property destruction. The group said Hussam Al-Gheriany, a vice presi- Ghaffar Shokr and seven other mem- brinidis and helped him identify the violations, and support victims of make sure they adhere to the United these incidents occurred in 16 differ- dent, and 25 members. The secretary bers resigned in November. current role of the council. violations. Nations Convention Against Torture. ent governorates. The group also called for intensive The organisations that put forth amendment of the penal code, and the initiative included the Egyptian developing a plan for restricting the Initiative for Personal Rights, the eOHR power of the police to ensure that Egyptian Organisation for Human police officers permitted their powers are used in a more re- Rights, the El Nadeem Centre for the worried sponsible manner. Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence, The last part of the initiative called the Cairo Institute for Human Rights to grow beards about for the dismissal of Prosecutor Gen- Studies, the Association for Freedom eral Tala’at Abdallah and the appoint- and Thought and Expression, the Cen- Egypt’s Supreme Administrative Court ruled in favour of allowing officers to grow beards ment of a replacement through the tre for the Issues of Egyptian Wom- freedom of Supreme Judicial Council in order to en, the New Woman Foundation, guarantee impartiality. Abdallah was the Egyptian Centre for Economic expression appointed by President Mohamed and Social Rights, the Overview of Morsi through his 22 November Feminist Studies, the Egyptian Chil- Egyptian Organisation for presidential decree, in which he oust- dren’s Rights Coalition, the Egyptian ed Abdel-Meguid Mahmoud, who had Foundation for the Advancement of Human Rights criticises previously held the post under for- Childhood, the Land Centre for Hu- referral for investigation of mer president Hosni Mubarak. man Rights, and Egyptians Against Re- novelist Youssef Zedan The United Group for Legal Aid ligious Discrimination. By Rana Muhammad Taha prosecutor general asks The Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights (EOHR) expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding freedom of interpol to arrest shafiq expression in Egypt. Former presidential candidate Ahmed Shafiq wanted on The EOHR said in a statement that the proliferation of contempt charges of ‘seizing and wasting public money’ of religion lawsuits threatens free speech. It added that the legislations governing freedom of thought and expression should be amended to fit international conventions and trea- ties ratified by Egypt.

Mohamed Omar Author and novelist Youssef Zedan Bearded police officers protest in front of the presidential palace in Heliopolis (File photo) was referred to investigations by the Supreme State Security Prosecution The Supreme Administrative Court bid personnel from growing beards. lenge the decision. on Tuesday. Zeidan was accused of ruled on Wednesday that bearded After the officers were suspended, Courts in Beheira and Tanta also contempt of religion. police officers could return to they began a wave of protests over ruled against the restriction on fa- “Freedom of thought and expres- their posts, rejecting an appeal filed the Ministry’s decision. cial hair for police officers last year. sion is a right recognised by interna- by the Ministry of the Interior. The Last July Alexandria’s Adminis- However, Cairo’s Administrative tional conventions and treaties gov- officers had been suspended by the trative Court ruled against the de- Court ruled in favour of the Minis- erning human rights,” said Hafez Abu ministry after they grew beards in cision to penalise bearded police try of the Interior. Saada, secretary general of EOHR. an outward display of piety as ex- officers. Seventeen officers who The Supreme Administrative “Yet the current domestic laws only hibited by many Muslim men. had grown beards were demoted, Court’s decision has final say and aim at controlling media outlets.” He Current Ministry regulations for- and a group filed a lawsuit to chal- jurisdiction over previous rulings. added that cases such as contempt of religion shouldn’t be addressed in court, but through objective dialogue and discussions. Building and Development party Ziedan stated on Tuesday that he was referred to investigations be- cause of a report filed against him by criticises sCC’s decision on the Islamic Research Complex, which accuses him of contempt of religion, causing religious sedition and encour- election law aging religious extremism. The accu- Supreme Constitutional Court decision prohibits people prevented from serving in the sations were based on Ziedan’s book, The Arab Theology, where Ziedan military from running in parliamentary elections referred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam as religions which came through By Rana Muhammad Taha Abul Nasr stated he was pre- the FJP can easily prevent Popular “messages from heaven”, and describ- vented from serving in the military Current members from serving in ing the religions as “three manifesta- Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya criticised the because he had spent time in pris- the military for security reasons in tions of the same essence”. Supreme Constitutional Court’s on. “Not only that, but State Secu- order to disenfranchise them from The EOHR stated that the Islamic

(SCC) ruling on the constitutional- rity also prevented my brothers and parliament. Research Complex filed its report in Mohamed Omar ity of some articles in the election nephews from serving in the mili- Mohamed Zare’, chairman of the 2010 following the release of Zedan’s The prosecutor general requested the Office of International draft law. tary,” said Abul Nasr, adding that he Arab Penal Reform Organisation, book. Nevertheless, the report wasn’t Cooperation to request that Interpol arrest former presidential The SCC decided on Monday to and his family’s conscription in the said that the SCC’s decision is cor- referred to prosecutors until recently. candidate Ahmed Shafiq (File photo) return the election draft law to the military were seen by State Security rect. “People who were deemed a The novelist denied that the inves- Shura Council, which drafted the law, as a threat to national security. danger to national security should tigation had anything to do with his By Emily Crane In response to the Prosecutor after rejecting five articles as “uncon- “How can the SCC follow recom- not be allowed to issue laws and leg- other novel titled Azazil. In this novel General’s announcement, Shafiq told stitutional”. mendations made by an apparatus islations in parliament,” Zare’ said. the protagonist challenges Christian The Prosecutor General Tala’at Ab- Egyptian media on Tuesday night that The SCC’s ruling prohibits citizens that has been dissolved according to He added, nevertheless, that the beliefs when weighed against philos- dallah announced on Tuesday that he he was not surprised by the court’s who were prevented from serving in peoples’ demands?” Abul Nasr asked, decision is bound to unjustly punish ophy and logic. Eleven Coptic rights has asked the Office of International decision or their “childish obstinacy,” the military by the Minister of De- referring to State Security, which was some “innocent” people. “Such peo- organisations had filed a report to Cooperation to prepare a memoran- according to Al-Ahram. He said he has fence or State Security from running dissolved in 2011 and replaced by ple should be given the opportunity the prosecutor general in 2010 ac- dum requesting Interpol to arrest grown accustomed to such persecu- in parliamentary elections. National Security. to appeal their disenfranchisement cusing Ziedan of contempt of the former presidential candidate Ahmed tion and expects it to continue until In a joint statement released on “We were disenfranchised from in front of the Military Judiciary,” Christian religion. The organisations Shafiq, according to state-run news the Brotherhood has left power. Wednesday, Al-Jamaa and its political the military for opposing the former Zare’ said. stated Ziedan taunts the doctrines of agency Al-Ahram. In September 2012, previous public wing, the Building and Development regime,” Abul Nasr said. “Now they The Shura Council, the upper the trinity, unification and redemption This decision comes in response prosecutor Mahmoud Abd El-Meguid Party (BDP), said that the decision want to further punish us by disen- House of Parliament, is responsible adopted by Christians. to a ruling by Judge Osama Al-Saidi requested that Interpol arrest Shafiq, breaches thousands of citizens’ rights franchising us from the People’s As- for passing the new parliamentary “I hereby ask all to bear witness that charging Shafiq with “seizing and according to Abd El-Meguid’s office. and threatens the opposition. Mem- sembly.” election laws. According to Article I shall not stop writing and spread- wasting public money”, Al-Ahram Shafiq’s lawyer, Yehia Qadry, denied bers of Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya were Abul Nasr stated that the situa- 230 of the constitution, the Shura ing enlightenment,” Zedan said on said. Shafiq has been accused of this at the time. Shafiq, who has lived among those prevented from serving tion is serious, because the article Council “shall take charge of the his Facebook page on Tuesday. “Bet- using his position as Civil Aviation in the United Arab Emirates since last in the military for security reasons. could be used to remove opposition power of legislation once the con- ter yet, I will make sure my coming Minister to acquire and sell 40,000 year, was placed on a border watch “This ruling has grave repercus- in the future. He gave an example, stitution goes into effect and until a projects are more beautiful, realistic, hectares of land in Ismailia for the list, but there has been no effort to sions,” said Alaa Abul Nasr, secretary saying that if the Popular Current is new People’s Assembly is elected”. deeper and freer than before.” cost of 75 piastres per square metre extradite him from the UAE. general of the BDP. “It won’t just af- opposing the Freedom and Justice Additional reporting by Ethar Cha- Additional reporting by Ahmed instead of the market price of EGP Additional reporting by Luiz Sanchez fect Islamists but all opposition.” Party (FJP), then under this article, laby Aboul Enein 8 per square metre. and Ahmed Abou Enein 4 Daily news egypt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013 www.thedailynewsegypt.com in-Focus Sarah ElSarah Masry The Botanical Garden is the perfect place for those with an interest in botany, and a great relaxing venue to picnic or watch the sunset aswan: a city of charm

By Sarah El Masry of the local restaurants ElSarah Masry which spread all over The kiosk of the Roman Emperor Trajan is adjacent to Philae and was saved by the UNESCO It is wintertime in Egypt and a Nile the downtown area, and relocation project in 1964 cruise to Aswan and Luxor is by far shopping for some of the best getaway option for your win- Aswan’s specialities. The tourist mar- temples at first sight, Kom Ombo is god of healing. ter break. There are a few options to ket is the first place you might visit for actually from the Greco-Roman era Kom Ombo at night is also a mag- get there: First, you can enjoy a cruise its variety and wide range of prices, with some spectacular structural ele- nificent experience enriched only by from the city of a thousand minarets, not to mention the fun one can have ments and a particularly interesting knowing the mysterious stories be- Cairo; you can also begin from Luxor haggling over prices. Walking along story. The temple is another perfect hind the building of the temple. and head north; or vice versa, start- the market is, in itself, an interesting example of how religion was central ing from Aswan on your way south and great experience. to the lives of ancients Egyptian and One last adventure: the Lock of Isna to Luxor. Despite our visit to the market on their successors. Returning to the cruise ship and If you decide on the latter, the jour- a rainy day, we were still overwhelmed Structurally Kom Ombo is atypical leaving Aswan, the journey heads ney begins at Aswan’s International with the aroma of fresh-roasted As- because it was designed for two gods south to Luxor with one last ad- Airport. While it is described as “in- wani peanuts, sunflower and pumpkin and thus it has two gates embedded venture in store: crossing the Lock ternational”, the airport is small and seeds blended with the smell of spices. in its huge pylon; the gate on the right of Isna. It is one of those moments ancient, and reflects the simplicity of Regular merchandise at the market was erected for the crocodile god along the cruise where the level of Aswan, a charming city. is similar to what you might find at Sobek while the gate on the left was excitement hikes up. While some Outside the airport, one can see Khan El-Khalili in Cairo, but what the for Horus, the falcon god. enjoy the suspense of a sudden drop that several hills around the heart of Cairo market does not have is the va- The ancient legend says that the in the current, water splashing the

Aswan are ornamented with white ElSarah Masry riety of Nubian souvenirs and crafts. sun god Ra stumbled upon a war be- sides of the lock and so on, crossing one-storey houses that demonstrate A Nile cruiser passing through the first Lock of Isna, a mesmerising Hand-made miniatures and masks tween the two gods Sobek and Horus, seemed to be just another chore for the architectural vernacular of the experience where your cruiser descends a few metres with the water level embellished with fantastic colours so Ra invoked the deity of judgement the ship’s sailors. area and exhibit its authentic and lo- at dawn are exhibited throughout the market who ruled that the temple should be There are two locks. The first one cal features. After a short time, it is dif- street, and be sure not to miss out on divided between the two gods. On is known as the Barrages of Isna and ficult to ignore the tint of globalisation temple indicated how many gods or Nubian takiyas (knitted hats with traditional Nubian clothes; buy a Nu- the wall of the pylon, the inscriptions was established in 1906 to control with international hotels and famous goddesses the temple was dedicated colourful patterns) sprint towards bian galabeya of a quality rarely found show the Ptolemaic kings consecrat- and preserve the Nile floods for fast food chains on the vibrant main to. This is why Philae has one gate visitors as you set foot on the island. anywhere else. ing the temple to the two gods on agricultural purposes. The barrages streets of the city. devoted to Isis. The walls of the pylon The island was once the base for As for Aswan’s other specialities, each gate. block the water flow while ships tra- Further from the airport is a small have inscriptions of the Ptolemaic Lord Kitchener (the British Field they are mostly food related. No The temple has two sanctuaries verse the change in water level by marina where boats are prepared to kings giving offerings to goddess Isis. Marshal responsible for ruling Sudan one leaves Aswan without some of and altars for the two separate gods. means of a double gated lock. Once ferry flocks of tourists to Agilkia Island, The third part of the temple is a in the late 19th century). Even today, its famous Aswani peanuts. Sure, you The manifestations on the walls of the ship passes through the first lock home of Philae Temple. The Aswan- closed hall of pillars which contains many still refer to the island as “Kitch- can buy something similar in Cairo, the temple refer to kings of the Ptol- gate, it goes through the second lock Luxor journey kicks off here. the room where Horus, son of Isis is ener’s Island”. but the flavour really is not the same. emaic dynasty offered blessings from that automatically operates using hy- said to have been born. It is worth not- The air on the island is refreshing; Peanuts from Aswan are exception- the gods and goddesses upon their draulic energy. Philae Temple ing that the inscriptions on pillars of especially considering only days ago ally tasty because they are first buried enthronement. Although, the best time for crossing The boat trip from the marina to the temple were a mixture of Phara- we were inhaling the thick Cairo smog. in the sand, then sieved right before Near the temple crocodiles were is usually at daytime, our crossing hap- Agilkia Island is short, but filled with onic and Greek languages. This lead to Lovers of botany can visit the museum being sold. once found, captured and locked un- pened at dawn, but it was still exciting. picturesque scenery. As the boat rip- the most sacred part of the temple, for plants and seeds. The island grows Lastly, one of the most important der Sobek’s altar in the temple. The The daylight was dimmed, but we could ples through the tranquil waters of the sanctuary where sacrifices and tropical trees and palm trees from all products Aswan is known for is dates. prayers and sacrifices in the temple feel the ship descending, especially in the Nile, small waves crash into even offerings were kept. over the world, fruits such as papaya Visitors of Aswan can sample a vari- used to be carried out by slaughtering the second lock where the water level smaller islets made up of formations Observant visitors might notice the and coconuts, spices such as ginger, ety of dates, though the most famous animals and feeding them to the cap- drops by a few metres. of titanic round rocks that decorate pillars of the closed hall have Christian paprika and cinnamon. It is no wonder types are El-Sakouti, El-Malkabi, and tive crocodiles. This ritual was meant The process looks smooth, but it is the path towards the island. Eventu- crosses. The enigmatic inscriptions of the island is also equipped for agricul- El-Gondaila. to satisfy Sobek and keep the Nile’s known to be risky for individuals di- ally, Philae Temple appears gloriously crosses are evidence that the temple tural research. crocodiles from hurting people. Dur- recting cruisers, not to mention ships on the horizon. was later used as a church. This makes For those desiring some relax- Unusual temple: Kom Ombo ing early excavations in the temple, could easily bump into one side of the Around the small marina on Agilkia, Philae a real melting pot. ation with a view of the sunset on Only 45 kilometres away from the archaeologists excavated more than lock track. Our boat’s sailors stopped Nubian merchants sell colourful hand- Outside of the main temple, sec- the Nile and some greenery in the city, we enjoyed a cruise that took us 300 crocodile mummies. The mummi- and anchored the cruiser with thick made jewellery, wooden Nubian min- ondary buildings and rooms stand background, the Botanical Garden has to Kom Ombo Temple. fied meat-eaters are on display at the ropes, closed the back gates of the iature dolls and animals, straw hats alone. The only distinguishable struc- no competitor. The name Kom Ombo means the Crocodile Museum built adjacent to lock then opened the front ones. In and pottery pots. Speaking multiple ture among them is the kiosk of the ‘land of gold,’ which is appropriate the temple. the second lock the water level drop- languages, merchants approach visi- Roman Emperor Trajan. Along with Shopping spree for the area where gold has been On the other side of the temple, ping is more noticeable and we could tors to present their wares. However, Philae, the Kiosk was also preserved Nights in Aswan offer a myriad of mined in the past. Though the temple rooms were built for pilgrims who both feel and see the ship descending. visitors can hastily climb up the hill by the UNESCO project which re- activities, such as tasting the cuisines might look similar to other Pharaonic came to seek healing from Horus, the Exiting Isna locks, the journey to to meet with the temple face to face. located the temple to Agilkia, about Luxor, another exciting city, is al- Entering the open court of pillars, 500 metres away from Philae Island, most over. the temple is vast and epic. Philae in 1964. Visiting Aswan at this time of the year was built during the Greco-Roman is exciting because not only is it time era under the Ptolemaic dynasty. The Relax and enjoy where the weather is mild, but also a time temple’s construction lasted over 600 The best thing about Aswan is that when domestic tourism is buoyant. Dur- years and was dedicated to worship- feluccas are like taxis in their avail- ing the visit, Aswan was full of Egyptian ing the goddess of motherhood and ability, but cheap considering the visitors from all over the country who love, Isis, who was a deity for the Ro- amazing scenery they offer. A group were eager to help out choosing food mans in Egypt. of 10 could get a felucca for as little places or during shopping. Unlike most temples in Egypt, each as EGP 100 and you can easily arrange While the cultural wares and lo- pillar at Philae in the open-court is the pick-up time with the sailor. That’s cal commodities purchased and the topped with a lotus flower, some flow- what Am Mohamed, the felucca sailor, pictures taken at Aswan might help ers open and others closed. This in- offered anyway. He took us along the keep the memory of this wondrous consistency was intentional to mimic Nile showing us beautiful rock for- city, it is simply not the same as the and also differentiate between the mations and some colourful Nubian experience. We could not hold on to style of the Pharaohs and that of the houses scattered along the banks, the fresh smell of the Nile, the soft Ptolemaic dynasty. Ceremonial pro- ending the trip with a visit to the Bo- breeze during each felucca ride or cessions, enthroning or reaping occa- tanical Garden. its generous and hospitable people. sions once took place in this court. Upon arriving at the garden, more It is a city where the present meets Moving on to the pylon (the sec- vendors wait to show off their hand- the past, opening doors for visitors

ond structure in Egyptian temples), made crafts and souvenirs. Little chil- ElSarah Masry to a historic, cultural, and relaxing the number of entrances to the dren selling flowery necklaces and Relief carving portrays the enthronement of a Ptolemaic king as he is offered blessings by the gods and goddesses experience. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 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

Graph from report by United Group and hemaya are we in a ‘…….’ or Project to aid victims of Torture and abuse just smelling the roses?

This question is often repeated in particular), Egypt’s democratic during times of crisis. When a na- forces have still been able to secure tion finds itself consumed by war a place for themselves within the or strife, inevitably some will de- country’s airwaves and print media. cide to remove themselves from This is thanks to the struggle of hun- the equation and occupy their time dreds of courageous journalists and with trivial matters. A number of my reporters, many of them from the friends have asked me this question country’s youth. since I published last week’s article So we must ask, after having where I attempted to analyse the taken control of the country’s ex- state of Middle East politics occur- ecutive and legislative branches, ring throughout the broader region. have the Brotherhood and its allies I will respond to this question now, become more popular amongst the and attempt to do so in detail. ranks of ordinary Egyptians? All sta- I will start by first presenting an tistical indicators point to no. The Farid ZahraN interrogative question of my own, Brotherhood’s first constitutional which is: Are we really in a state referendum, put forth on 19 March ica and Europe’s right wing, who of “……”? We know that Egypt’s 2012, passed with 78% with no re- view abandonment of their control current political situation is com- corded instances of rigging. This is over the Middle East as heresy and reason Killing plicated, however I disagree that in comparison to the last referen- a form of treason. asphalt we have arrived at the state of dum, which passed with 64% ap- It almost seems like yesterday facilities whipping “……” that some describe. Many proval, with widespread cases of that the US blindly invaded Iraq Dragging on electrocution have reacted with shock and awe rigging being reported by a number based on the assumption that the Head shaving / body injuries over the supposed spontaneous of NGOs and civil rights organisa- regime there possessed weap- torture in front of security personnel Beating / insulting rise to power of Egypt’s Islamists tions. This is in addition to the fact ons of mass destruction, despite Detention without sexually assaulted and Salafis, almost as if they were that President Mohamed Morsi re- the fact that there existed no Detention in illegal imported from abroad and brought ceived only 52% of the vote during evidence to back up these claims. in for the sole purpose of prodding the country’s presidential election, Worse yet, after having looted and officials’ comments on torture at the country’s leftists and liber- despite the fact that Ahmed Shafiq destroyed the country, no one als. We obviously know that the was not popular amongst much of from the US has yet apologised Minister of Interior on 19 Feb 2013: Police Forces dealt with riots at the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies the country’s current opposition. for launching the war; instead have been in Egypt for years, and I don’t want to spend too much they have begun dealing with Iran Itihadiya Palace and Al-Qubba Palace with the utmost self control currently exist as the remnants of time on this issue, but before I move in the same way. There is, on the the same reactionary, repressive on I must point out that Egypt’s dem- other hand, a plethora of evidence forces that have cast a cloud of so- ocratic forces have also been suc- pointing to the fact that Israel pos- Prime Minister on 3 Feb 2013: Egypt should not be reduced to a man who cial despair over our country for cessful in dissolving Morsi’s consti- sesses a large nuclear arsenal, but decades. The overthrowing of the tutional declaration, and succeeded no one seems to care. There exists got dragged on asphalt Mubarak regime, and the absence in amending a number of clauses in nothing of the sort with regards to of any powerful social democratic the constitution after applying pres- Iran, who has repeatedly denied movement to take its place, served sure through a concerted political possessing any such weapons or almost as an invitation for the coun- and media campaign. harboring any intentions to pro- try’s Islamists to come to power. Is Now we can move on to the duce them. Despite that, Israel it not true that after any revolution second point, and ask our readers continues to threaten Iran with the ‘insult’ of political criticism it is the organised parties, or more whether or not concern over the the launching of a military strike. precisely those that possessed an state of events outside of Egypt This double standard is despicable Few would argue against the maxim those very people or institutions. This organisational structure before throughout the broader Middle and borderline racist. Not to de- that freedom of speech is one of the is troubling since criticism by political its outbreak, that ride the wave of East should really be considered fend Saddam Hussein or the Ma- foundational pillars on which democra- opponents serves as an essential check reform to increase their political “smelling the roses”. Of course liki regime, but if we are discussing cy rests. Freedom of speech is widely against governmental abuse of power. power? In this scenario, there are al- not, because Egypt’s repressive, punishing repressive regimes, then understood to include speech concern- There are several reasons for the re- ways groups that benefit more than reactionary forces are more likely why not Israel, the world’s only ing government officials, which may be moval of laws allowing criminal punish- expected and others who benefit to gain ground inside the country truly religious state? critical or even demeaning of an officials’ ments for insulting government officials. less than they should, either due to if we as citizens are not conscious What we ask is that all players performance. While the lines between One of the most obvious is the difficulty a lack of organisation or because of affairs going on around us re- in the region give up their weap- unfounded slander and legitimate criti- inherent in defining exactly what consti- of the dullness of their ideas and gionally and internationally. Egypt ons of mass destruction and stop cism can be blurred at times, laws in sta- tutes an “insult.” In practice, there does philosophy. In the case of Egypt, it has always been an influential living by double standards. What ble democracies give the overwhelming not seem to be any firm criteria defin- goes without saying that the Mus- country, and it makes sense that we don’t want is to see Egypt enter benefit of the doubt to those criticis- ing what is meant by an insult and who lim Brotherhood and Salafis gained if our nation’s regional and demo- into any sort of strategic axis or ing government officials. The underly- gets to decide what statements qualify Nick Gjorvad the most from the change that cratic forces do not come up with pursue stubborn, jingoistic policies ing reason for this strong defence of as such. Does an insult constitute criti- came with the revolution, despite a clear vision as to what our role that hinder efforts at regional co- criticism toward government leaders cism of the ability of an official in per- way in promoting free speech in Egypt. the fact that it began as a leaderless is going to be vis-à-vis the outside operation and push the Middle East is to protect legitimate criticism of a forming his or her job? Can an individual One of the ways in which President movement without any religious or world, then other players, either towards inevitable war and conflict. government’s performance, which is file a lawsuit if she or he feels insulted Morsi can demonstrate that he repre- Islamist tinge to it at all. domestic or foreign, will come in We are not in a state of “…..” understood to be essential for effective but others do not believe so? Or rather, sents all segments of society, whether That being said, the natural chain to fill the vacuum. In short, Egypt yet, and concerning oneself with and efficient government. do several unrelated individuals have to it be his political allies or opponents, is of events in Egypt has progressed has an important regional and in- regional issues is not “smelling the In Egypt, the current system is stacked believe that an insult was levelled against by realising that being the president of logically: a popular revolution sup- ternational role to play, and if we, roses”. What we find ourselves in is in favour of protecting the image of gov- an official for a lawsuit to be filed? a large nation in difficult times comes ported by all the country’s political as supporters of true democracy, an open conflict with conservative, ernment officials. While President Mo- More importantly, fundamental free with intense scrutiny from political op- opposition forces is co-opted by do not develop an idea as to how reactionary forces both within and hamed Morsi has said many times that speech issues arise from such a law. It ponents, which may or may not be justi- the most organised and best able to that role should manifest itself, outside Egypt, and just as we strug- freedom of expression is protected, appears that various types of criticism fied. This will demonstrate willingness administer the affairs of the coun- then the country’s reactionary gle domestically to achieve social the prosecution of media and political aimed at President Morsi have been by the presidency to accept all forms of try and determine its fate. How- forces will push us into playing a justice, we also must do so region- figures accused of insulting government targeted with the justification that this criticism from his opposition and proj- ever despite this, and despite the role that brings with it nothing but ally in order to avoid the outbreak officials, especially the president, runs speech violates laws prohibiting insult- ect confidence that the presidency can fact that Egypt’s true democratic destruction and servitude. of conflict amongst the people of counter to this narrative. According to ing the president. According to the withstand the criticism directed at it. movements had been repressed It is necessary to clarify in detail the Middle East. We cannot allow a recent report by the Arab Network aforementioned Arab Network report, If President Morsi truly wants to show and forced into political exile for how current events in the region for governments in the region to for Human Rights Information, lawsuits opposition politicians and journalists that Egypt is moving toward a democra- more than six decades, they have have the potential to manipulate export their revolutions and ideol- filed against those accused of insulting such as Hossam Eissa, Ola El-Shafei and cy which supports free political debate still been successful in challenging and affect Egypt’s current domestic ogies in an attempt to mould other the ruler of Egypt has reached a 112- Islam Afifi have been accused of insulting then laws criminalising “insults” of the the Muslim Brotherhood’s grip on politics. Despite its significance, I countries in their image, as those year high. In fact, the report highlights President Morsi. Additionally, television president or other government officials power, succeeding in this endeavour do not intend to discuss the com- exporting countries are inevitably the number of lawsuits against individu- host Bassem Youssef has made what should be discarded and prosecution more than most had expected. plexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict bound to intervene in the affairs als and newspapers accused of insulting seems to many as rather innocuous should begin only if there is overwhelm- For the last two years, since it be- here, as that is an issue best saved of those they attempt to influence. the president during the short tenure of jokes toward Morsi which have in turn ing evidence that false information has came clear that the Muslim Broth- for another article. I would like to This should not, however, be con- Morsi’s presidency have eclipsed even prompted accusations of insults against been publicly circulated by an individual erhood was set to rise to power focus instead on that which was fused with countries attempting to those from the rule of Hosni Mubarak. the president. This seems to confirm in an effort to slander a government of- and bring back the same repressive discussed last week, and Egypt’s emulate others who have present- From this data, it has become in- that the president takes his image very ficial. In fact, the president should lead regime propped up by the same mili- relationship with other regional ed a positive image of themselves creasingly clear that President Morsi seriously and will not tolerate negative the charge in rescinding these types of tary junta that has administered our powers, particularly Saudi Arabia, on the world stage. Such a scenario and his supporters believe that laws pre- portrayals of him, regardless of the criti- laws since his Muslim Brotherhood was country for over 60 years, Egypt’s Turkey, and Iran. How does Egypt’s does not encourage foreign inter- venting insults aimed at the president cism’s legitimacy. But one must question at one time prosecuted by laws which democratic forces have shocked relationship with these countries vention and should not be treated should be used to their fullest extent. as to why the office of the presidency, restricted freedom of speech towards themselves and the world at the affect the average citizen? In short, as such. While insulting other government of- with its far-reaching bully pulpit and po- the government. After all, if history has extent to which they have success- Israel and the United States seek to Only by adopting the policies of ficials and institutions is illegal as well, the litical power, would be fearful of speech told us anything about this freedom of fully prevented the Brotherhood split the Middle East into two axes, non-intervention and agreeing to high volume of lawsuits against those ac- made in a medium such as a satirical speech issue, it is that laws protecting a from liquidating and eliminating the one Shi’a, the other Sunni, for the rid ourselves of weapons of mass cused of insulting the president, espe- television show. president’s or government institution’s country’s opposition. purpose of weakening countries in destruction (this includes Israel) cially a president who holds far-reaching Of course slander and libel are pros- image are misguided at best, and, when Has the Muslim Brotherhood the region and preventing its peo- can the people of the Middle East powers, is problematic and should be ecutable offences, but in many democ- used to silence political criticism, are de- succeeded in silencing Egypt’s free ple from cooperating and working begin to travel the road towards addressed. The implicit belief found in racies it is nearly impossible in practice structive to civil society at worst. media? Despite the fact that many to achieve their shared goals. These true cooperation and prosperity. laws which ban insults toward political to convict a citizen of libel or slander Muslim Brotherhood supporters efforts could lead to a regional war figures and political institutions is that of a public official. Crafting the law to Nicholas Gjorvad is a political have been placed in the highest that may potentially draw in Egypt, Farid Zahran is a publisher and the reputation of a government official make it exceedingly difficult to pros- researcher. He holds Masters degrees ranks of the country’s many media a scenario which would only serve writer. He is the co-founder of the or institution is held in higher esteem ecute an individual for speech against in Philosophy and Islamic Studies outlets (the minister of information Israeli interests and those of Amer- Egyptian Social Democratic Party than the right of citizens to criticise a government official would go a long from the University of Edinburgh

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sFD received Morsi allocates egp 400m for canal provinces $418m in 2012 The PresidenT will also ProPose a drafT law To The shura CounCil To reoPen The PorT Throughout 2012, Egypt’s Social Fund for Development (SFD) signed a num- said duTy free Zone shuT down in 2002 ber of contracts with foreign coun- tries totalling $418m. By Lamia Nabil In light of the events that have The SFD’s yearly report stated that been unfolding in Port Said over the the SFD received a total of $190m President Mohamed Morsi will pro- past 24 hours, the Suez Canal Con- in loans to fund small scale develop- pose a draft law to the Shura Council tainer Terminal (SCCT) night shift ment projects, in addition to $228m to reopen the Port Said Duty Free was unable to reach the terminal in grants to fund worker development Zone, which was shut down in 2002, last night due to road blockages. As programmes and improve non-financial according to a statement released by of late afternoon on February 19, state social services. the presidency. all roads leading to the ferry on the The report further stated that the The statement also outlined a pro- Port Fouad side have been blocked SFD had made available through banks, posed development plan targeting the by protesters. These roads are con- civil society organisations and direct canal governorates of Port Said, Suez sidered the main and most effective lending, over EGP 2,103bn to borrow- and Ismailia, in order to create new way to and from the terminal. The ers in 164,158 separate loans, with the job opportunities, using EGP 400m SCCT decided to suspend the night potential of 209,521 new job opportuni- yearly from Suez Canal revenues for shift on Tuesday 19 February. ties throughout Egypt. the three provinces. “The SCCT is not part of the cur- In 2012, the SFD provided financing The statement comes on the back rent situation,” said SCCT Manag- for over 16,000 small-scale development of four days of civil disobedience in ing Director Klaus Holm Laursen. projects, totalling nearly EGP 500m. Port Said. “Our focus is on the work at the The SFD also provided direct lending Port Said, Ismailia and Suez have terminal, the safety of our team and services to borrowers for small-scale been in uproar since 26 January, after exerting every effort to support development projects through banks the conviction of 21 people from Port our customers, who are support- and private companies. These services

Said sentenced to death for their in- AFP Photo ing Egyptian consumers and the were estimated to have the potential to volvement in the 2012 Port Said foot- After four days of civil disobedience in Port Said, President Morsi announced he will submit a draft law to the Shura business environment in Egypt. It create 47,000 new jobs. ball stadium massacre. Council to reopen the Port Said Duty Free Zone is clear that the present situation is In 2012 the SFD signed 75 new con- Forty people have died since then, not good for business and is more tracts, their total value estimated at EGP according to state-run Al-Ahram. there are others in Upper Egypt and Sinai lations have been cancelled and the followed by other decisions, he said. likely to cause business to shrink, 381m, to provide funding for a number Hamdy Abd el-Azeem, an economic also in need which are being ignored. taxes have become very low, even neg- He also questioned the decision- hence providing fewer opportuni- of microenterprises through civil society consultant and former dean of the Sa- Abd el-Azeem also said that re- ligible on some goods and products”. making criteria behind the allocated ties for Egyptians.” organisations. dat Academy, said that the decision was opening the duty free zone in Port Chairman of the Chamber of Com- $400m, commenting that this was a Shipping is an international busi- Total outgoing figures showed that a political one, an effort to placate Port Said will encourage smuggling, because merce in Port Said Mohamed Al-Masry case of mistaken priorities. ness and there are opportunities in over EGP 628m had been provided to Said’s angry residents. in the past there were regulations on said that the decision to shut down the “This is also not the time to talk other countries aside from Egypt, he over 147,000 borrowers, to fund proj- He also added that although these imports and high taxes on goods and duty free zone in 2002 was extended about money,” he said. “There are peo- said, which again may lead to longer ects estimated to create 162,000 new provinces badly need to be developed, products, “but now all importing regu- every year. The decision needs to be ple lying dead in Port Said right now.” term losses for the country. jobs. egypt to sign business protocol with indonesia By Hend El-Behary ber of Commerce is currently organis- the obstacles which face business- tetra pak and the swedish ing a meeting between all its divisions men in both countries,” he continued. The Cairo Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Division within the “These obstacles may be related to is seeking new cooperation relations Indonesian Embassy. banking, customs or otherwise.” embassy join to celebrate Domty with the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo The Indonesian commercial con- Shokry said that there is already a in order to promote mutual economic sultant Eiwan Molatino said that trade similar protocol with China and that a The Swedish Embassy in Cairo, in “Tetra Pak’s new filling line 1,000 tonnes per day before end of relations and to increase the trade be- between the two nations currently robust commercial exchange volume cooperation with Tetra Pak Egypt, technologies have helped us in- 2013. This growth is a result of our tween the countries. stands at 2% per cent, and that the exists between the two countries, with hosted an event to announce crease our daily production ca- long-term partnership with Tetra As part of the protocol, the Cairo aim of the visit was to increase this a large amount of Chinese exports en- Domty as the biggest white cheese pacity from 90 tonnes in 2011 Pak Egypt”. Chamber of Commerce will provide percentage. tering Egypt. “We have already solved producer in the world using Tetra to 180 tonnes in 2012. This had Commenting on the reasons the Economic Division at the Indone- “Indonesia has various commercial many problems facing Egyptian busi- Pak, with over 200mn packages a positive impact on Egypt’s food behind Domty’s success, Anders sian Embassy with information about fields like agricultural activities, avail- nessmen,” he said. produced yearly. production capacity and exports, Lindgren, Managing Director of the prices of products in the Egyptian able lands, leather products, and now “Any mutual relationship with an- The event took place at the Em- as well as helping to boost Egypt’s Tetra Pak Egypt, stated that “in market in order for them to be exported we are looking forward to dealing with other country is good for Egypt,” said bassy of Sweden, where engineer economy,” said Damaty 2012, Domty launched new sizes to Indonesia, said Ibrahim El-Araby, the Egypt,” said Molatino. Magdy Tolba, an economic consultant. Omar Damaty received a trophy on Domty’s total investment in food and flavors on the Egyptian mar- head of the Cairo Chamber of Com- Speaking to Daily News Egypt, Ali “However, Indonesia is not that strong behalf of Domty’s team to celebrate processingMarkets and packagingNo. equipmentVolume ket, andValue(LE) was the first in Tradesthe world merce, according to state-run MENA. Shokry, deputy head of the Cairo a country economically to support the this achievement. The was followed from TetraListed Pak in 2012 165is $10.5m.77,002,602 to pack433,622,380 cheese in Tetra Brik19,033 Asep- “Providing importers and export- Chamber of Commerce, said: “When- Egyptian economy.” He added that In- by a lunch, hosted by H.E. Ms. Ma- This investment created 800 tic 80ml. Domty was also the first ers with simple information and stud- ever we decide to sign a protocol with donesia has previously passed through lin Kärre, Sweden’s Ambassador to new jobsStocks 164 76,897,602company327,831,117 in Egypt to deploy19,032 the A3 ies about the products in both markets any country we forward a request to the same economic situation which Egypt, and attended by Tetra Pak ThePDBonds company has a 1production105,000 Compact105,791,263 Flex lines”. 1 will be a good move to increase trade the chamber of commerce within the Egypt is currently experiencing. Egypt’s upper management. capacity of 200 tonnes per day. “This is the natural outcome of between Egypt and Indonesia,” said capital, and then meet with them to “We are also looking forward to “Swedish-Egyptian cooperation He Bondsadded that the company0 is 0 the strong 0partnership between0 Al-Araby. discuss the procedures.” dealing with strong economies like and business has lasted for a long pe- “planningNilex to launch our 9milk brand1,671,411 Tetra Pak2,181,910 Egypt and Domty 221Group. He added that the circumstances He added that the cooperation pro- Malaysia, China, Turkey, and India,” said riod of time and has included many and to introduce high quality milk We feel that Domty Group has great in both countries are “roughly the tocol will help boost general mutual Tolba. different sectors; it is very consumer- to the OTCEgyptian market9 and diver660,323- potential3,526,706 and this new investment106 same”, which may boost cooperation relations between both countries, in Trade between Egypt and Indonesia oriented for the benefit of the Egyptian sify Domty’s portfolio. This will also shows trust in the Egyptian econo- between them. addition to trade. totalled $2bn in 2012, according to the purchaser,” said H.E. Ms. Malin Kärre. increaseDeals plant capacity 5to exceed8,000 my,” Lindgren3,006,850 added. 9 Al-Araby said that the Cairo Cham- “The protocol also aims to resolve Egypt State Information Service. Orders 4 652,323 519,856 97 Total 183 79,334,336 439,330,997 19,360 Daily EGX30 index performance Total Market Cap 380,108,087,369

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 34.3 34.39 0.91% -0.52% 44.74% 34.79 34.00 47.43 1,379,088 20,353.51 EGX 30 5,609.32 -0.24% 2.69% NSGB NSGB Banks 37.50 37.49 0.03% 6.48% 31.68% 37.50 37.35 5.999 160,012 16,623.73 EGX 70 475.78 -0.87% -0.27% Ezz Steel ESRS Basic Resources 10.03 10.13 -1.55% 2.01% 47.45% 10.32 9.93 14.82 1,463,662 5,590.20 EGX 100 805.64 -0.69% 0.66% ELSWEDY ELECTRIC SWDY Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 22.20 22.15 -0.89% -3.32% -14.28% 22.20 22.00 0.305 13,747 4,993.39 Markets No. Volume Value(LE) Trades MRRIDIVE MOIL Industrial Goods and Services and Automobiles 1.12 1.11 -0.89% -4.31% -28.45% 1.12 1.11 1.03 137,100 401.41 EGX 20 Capped 6,513.67 -0.54% 2.70% Listed 165 77,002,602 433,622,380 19,033 AIC Contracting AIND Financial Services excluding Banks 0.48 0.48 0.00% 2.13% -21.31% 0.49 0.47 3.721 7,746,825 256.62 Stocks 164 76,897,602 327,831,117 19,032 Amer Group Holding AMER Financial Services excluding Banks 0.62 0.62 0.00% -3.13% -20.51% 0.63 0.61 3.15 5,085,145 1,884.61 Market Brief PDBonds 1 105,000 105,791,263 1 EK Holding EKHO Financial Services excluding Banks 1.24 1.24 0.00% -3.13% 6.90% 1.25 1.23 5.732 685,481 1,040.73 Volume Value No. of Bonds 0 0 0 0 EFG-Hermes HRHO Financial Services excluding Banks 11.21 11.27 -0.35% 2.36% -12.16% 11.37 11.10 10.70 950,077 5,409.51 MarketsDirection No.No. Volume Value(LE) Trades Nilex 9 1,671,411(000's) (LE2,181,910 000's) Trades221 Pioneers Holding PIOH Financial Services excluding Banks 4.43 4.49 -2.60% -7.61% 13.10% 4.59 4.42 3.380 752,707 2,305.00 Listed 165 77,002,602 433,622,380 19,033 OTC 9 660,323 3,526,706 106 Citadel Capital CCAP Financial Services excluding Banks 3.82 3.83 -1.54% 1.32% 6.09% 3.90 3.79 9.67 2,521,980 2,542.97 ListedStocks stocks 164164 76,897,60276,898 327,831,117327,831 19,03219,032 Raya Holding RAYA Technology 5.31 5.28 -1.68% -6.71% 22.22% 5.40 5.21 0.464 87,781 344.88 Deals 5 8,000 3,006,850 9 Telecom Egypt ETEL Telecommunications 14.5 14.58 -0.27% 3.04% -6.18% 14.65 14.46 9.21 631,919 24,957.39 GainersPDBondsOrders 1914 105,000652,3232,391 105,791,263519,85673,449 2,170971 Orascom Telecom Media And Technology OTMT Telecommunications 0.61 0.61 -1.61% 10.91% 59.08% 0.62 0.60 8.138 13,303,443 3,252.33 BondsTotal 1830 79,334,3360 439,330,9970 19,3600 Orascom Telecom ORTE Telecommunications 4.28 4.29 -0.46% 8.06% 6.45% 4.33 4.26 11.30 2,633,160 22,608.93 TotalDecliners Market Cap 110 53,997 380,108,087,369226,979 15,174 Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals SKPC Chemicals 13.05 13.02 0.08% -1.74% -7.99% 13.06 12.95 2.711 208,149 6,830.25 Nilex 9 1,671,411 2,181,910 221 Egyptian Financial and Industrial EFIC Chemicals 9.64 9.71 -1.42% -2.12% -18.13% 9.83 9.61 1.85 190,359 682.62 UnchangedOTCIndex 359 660,323Value20,509 Daily3,526,70627,404 Ch. YTD1,688106 Ch. AMOC AMOC Oil and Gas 67.51 67.92 -1.18% -7.20% -16.60% 68.01 67.50 0.438 6,453 5,917.65 EGX 30 5,609.32 -0.24% 2.69% Juhayna Food Industries JUFO Food and Beverage 8.46 8.55 -0.70% 11.18% 78.50% 8.60 8.41 12.00 1,403,531 6,079.12 Deals 5 8,000 3,006,850 9 EGX 70 475.78 -0.87% -0.27% Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) OCIC Construction and Materials 264.53 264.88 -0.24% 4.96% 3.05% 266.84 264.00 24.167 91,239 55,479.42 OrdersEGX 100 4 652,323805.64 519,856-0.69% 0.66%97 Delta Construction & Rebuilding DCRC Construction and Materials 6.41 6.42 -3.75% 2.88% -16.84% 6.51 6.32 0.68 106,367 154.12 EGX 20 Capped 6,513.67 -0.54% 2.70% Modern Co. For Water Proofing WATP Construction and Materials 2.02 2.02 -2.42% 12.85% -41.28% 2.07 2.00 1.610 795,137 211.14 Total 183 79,334,336 439,330,997 19,360 Palm Hills PHDC Real Estate 2.36 2.37 -2.47% -2.87% 21.54% 2.43 2.19 25.44 10,723,623 2,547.42 Total Market Cap Volume 380,108,087,369Value No. of Direction No. TMG Holding TMGH Real Estate 4.13 4.15 0.00% -6.32% -10.37% 4.19 4.11 7.685 1,853,505 8,563.78 (000's) (LE 000's) Trades National Real Estate Bank NRPD Real Estate 18.35 18.59 -2.41% -6.77% -25.85% 18.97 18.30 1.17 62,885 74.34 Six of October OCDI Real Estate 22.00 22.22 -2.71% 9.30% 49.03% 22.59 21.91 8.474 381,413 2,071.05 Listed stocks 164 76,898 327,831 19,032 El Kahera Housing & Development ELKA Real Estate 6.2 6.23 -1.58% -5.18% 29.25% 6.31 6.17 0.73 116,615 593.44 Gainers Index 19 Value2,391 Daily73,449 Ch. YTD2,170 Ch. Arab Cotton Ginning ACGC Personal and Household Products 3.98 4.01 -1.72% -8.86% 31.48% 4.08 3.96 11.528 2,876,371 1,080.45 EGX 30 5,609.32 -0.24% 2.69% Decliners 110 53,997 226,979 15,174 Oriental Weavers ORWE Personal and Household Products 23 22.98 -0.09% -1.37% -13.29% 23.00 22.85 0.54 23,394 2,070.00 EGX 70 475.78 -0.87% -0.27% Egyptian Tourism Resorts EGTS Travel & Leisure 1.05 1.04 -0.95% -0.95% -17.46% 1.05 1.03 1.339 1,283,218 1,102.50 Unchanged 35 20,509 27,404 1,688 EGX 100 805.64 -0.69% 0.66% EGX 20 Capped 6,513.67 -0.54% 2.70%

Volume Value No. of Direction No. (000's) (LE 000's) Trades Listed stocks 164 76,898 327,831 19,032

Gainers 19 2,391 73,449 2,170

Decliners 110 53,997 226,979 15,174

Unchanged 35 20,509 27,404 1,688 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013 Daily news egypt 7 Business www.thedailynewsegypt.com

Kidzania egypt to open soon samsung to open Beni 750,000 to 1.2 million visitors expected annually suef factory in June By Mohamed SalahEldin the ‘A++’ to ‘C1’ categories It allows top brands to interact with produce something to earn extra The factory will be the global electronics giant’s first in The entrance fee will be affordable, their customers. International, region- “cash”. This will help them to under- The concept of “edutainment” may and the park could be a destination al and local brands can display banners stand the value of work and money as the MENA region be new to Egyptian society, but it has for public school educational trips. and advertisements to visitors. well as basic financial concepts. been successful worldwide. With nine Finally, there is the corporate social By Saad Zaghloul home appliances, smart grids, and successful parks around the globe, an What is the business model behind responsibility (CSR) component. We What about adults? cameras equipped with internet independent currency, a written consti- Kidzania? can host children with special needs, Unlike children, adults cannot get South Korea-based global elec- capabilities, in addition to new tution and a unique citizenship system, Kidzania has a multi-faceted busi- and governmental and private entities work permits at Kidzania! tronics giant Samsung will be computer and television tech- Kidzania, the first edutainment park for ness model; it acts on three different can invite socially disadvantaged kids to We consider them to be tourists, opening its first factory in the nology. children, will soon arrive in Egypt. platforms. spend the day having fun while learning. so they can do what tourists usually MENA region in June of this year He added that smart televi- Daily News Egypt spoke with Tarek Firstly, it is an educational and en- The ticketing system is very basic; it do in any other city: walk the streets, in Beni Suef, said Abdu Shalala, sions, such as the LED 8,000, Zidan, the governor of Kidzania Egypt tertaining family experience. So while operates on a single-admission basis, go sightseeing, and take pictures. Samsung’s director of regional would soon be released through- and the CEO of Edrak, the company the kids are practising skills related to and the visitor pays only a single fee for Only children can use the Kidza- marketing in South Korea. out the region. The LED 8,000 which runs the project, to learn more jobs they are interested in and gain- the admission ticket and a Kidzania trav- nia currency; they can even apply for He added that the EGP 1.7bn is the first of its kind to come about the project and to explore the ing knowledge, parents can enjoy the ellers’ cheque which can be exchanged citizenship and hold the Kidzanian factory will be used to manufac- equipped with quad-core central concept of edutainment, which mixes outlets and restaurant facilities avail- for ‘Kidzos’, the centre’s currency. passport. ture television screens. computer processors. education and entertainment, so chil- able at the centre. After spending all their Kidzos, the It’s like travelling to a different na- A number of the region’s resi- Fiyund Nayir, general direc- dren can learn while having fun. Secondly, Kidzania is a media hub. child will have to choose a job and tion; you need a passport and board- dents have been trained to work in tor for the company’s television ing pass to go there and once you the factory, he continued, whose screens department in the Gulf How did the edutainment concept arrive you receive travellers’ cheques location was determined more region, expects sales to increase arise? and city maps showing available jobs. than two years ago after a study by 20% throughout 2013, twice The concept of edutainment is his- The citizenship qualifies the child to was conducted analysing the suit- that which had been previously torical. Children have always enjoyed participate in political life within the ability of markets in the region. predicted by the company’s re- role-playing; in our childhood we all city. He or she can become a member The factory will be located one search department. pretended to be policemen, doctors, of the Kids’ Congress, which tells the hour from the Sokhna port, in ad- Mohamed Al Badawi, regional or pilots. management how the place can be im- dition to a number of other com- production and marketing direc- We took this concept and we add- proved and what needs to be added. mercial harbours throughout the tor for Samsung Electronics said ed an educational aspect, so while He or she can also be an ambassador country. that the company’s share of the the child is pretending to be working who speaks on behalf of the city. George Sadiq, president of MENA region’s digital camera at a supermarket, he actually learns In fact, the learning experience Samsung’s marketing department market by the end of 2012 had mathematics. There is some knowl- includes several political concepts. in Egypt, said that Beni Suef was increased to 21%. edge behind it. The Kidzania constitution contains a chosen due to its proximity to a He went on to say that the com- declaration of independence and lists number of Egypt’s ports, and that pany would begin a campaign to Do you expect this concept to have the children’s basic rights. It also tells as part of the company’s con- increase its share of sales of smart the same success in Egypt as in children what they can and can’t do tract, Samsung will be tasked with cameras in all MENA region mar- other countries? within the city. working to help develop a number kets beginning in March. There are currently nine Kidzania of poorer regions throughout the He also added that Algeria was cities around the world, in Mexico, When is the project expected to start? governorate. the number one consumer of Portugal, Turkey, Chile and the United We began working on the project Samsung’s recorded sales for Samsung digital cameras in the Arab Emirates. in mid-2010. It was scheduled to open 2012 totalled $200bn, revealed Ki- region, with company sales mak- Egyptian society is part of the in October 2012, but we have faced yang Tayi Bi, president of Samsung’s ing up 35% of the local market, wider Arab world, and it has a lot of a series of unexpected events since Middle East and North Africa followed closely by Egypt. similarities with Latin American and then: the 25 January revolution, the (MENA) branch, during the recent Badawi went on to say that European societies as well, so I don’t Sokhna port strike, which delayed Samsung Forum 2013 in Dubai. Samsung Electronics was the sec- see why the concept won’t work here; the arrival of equipment, and the die- He pointed out that the com- ond largest provider of digital the idea is global in nature and not sel crisis. We are not sure when the pany’s sales in the region had in- cameras worldwide, representing specific to a certain society or culture. opening date will be, but we hope to creased by 65% throughout 2012, 17% of the market. open within the next few months. attributing this to the company’s Yung Wu, director of commu- Will this experience be accessible These obstacles have not affected focus on innovation and creativ- nications for Samsung, expected to the majority of Egyptian children? our desire to complete the project, ity when designing their products. to see a 10% increase in sales for

In Kidzania all children are equal. Mohamed SalahEldin however. So far we have invested Samsung’s strategy for 2013, mobile phones in the Gulf region The city will therefore be open to ‘Kidzos’ are the centre’s currency. Children must obtain employment in $20m to $25m in total, and we are he said, would be to market new throughout 2013. Samsung sales children of all classes, ranging from order to earn Kidzos committed to investing further funds. and innovative products in order of mobile phones made up 50% to secure the company’s position of the Gulf market and 40% in the in the region. These will include United Arab Emirates. government announces 50% fuel price hikes for cement and brick factories cameras equipped with Wi-Fi net- Mobile phone sales in the Gulf, working technology and smart he said, with the exception of By Lamia Nabil thermal plants regardless of the type increase the financial burden on compa- companies who set up factories in televisions that could run apps Saudi Arabia, had increased by of fuel used. nies during the current recession. Egypt of exploiting the country’s low connected to the internet. 214% compared to the previous Prime Minster Hesham Qandil an- This will raise natural gas prices “The consumer is the ultimate vic- energy and labour prices, something He also expected sales of tab- year, with the United Arab Emir- nounced yesterday government plans to $6 per million BTU equivalent, tim,” he said, “because energy is an es- which, he said, is “unfair”, as these let computers to witness a jump ates witnessing the highest rates to increase natural gas prices for ce- and diesel and fuel oil prices to EGP sential component in the production companies will then export a con- within the next two years, par- of increase, totalling 340%, while ment and brick factories from $4 per 1,500 per tonne. Energy prices will process for cement.” siderable amount of their production ticularly as a means of improving growth rates for smart phones million BTU to $6 per million BTU. thus become uniform for factories He predicted that diesel prices lines at international prices. educational services throughout increased by 300% throughout The government also decided to that belong to the same sector. will increase by at least EGP 60 after “The real question now,” he said, “is the region. the region, according to statis- increase fuel oil and diesel prices by The prime minister excluded all implementation of the resolution. why would they obtain their energy He stated that televisions re- tics from the John F Kennedy Re- 50%, both of which are widely used electricity production companies Mustafa also mentioned that the needs via a significant subsidy?” leased this year will include en- search Institute. in energy-intensive local industries, to from the natural gas price increases, Industry Committee of the Shura “This equation should have hanced motion capabilities, in ad- He added that these high reach EGP 1,500 ($220) per tonne, and also excluded bakeries and the Council held a meeting last week changed a long time ago,” he con- dition to evolution kits. Television growth rates could be attrib- instead of EGP 1,000. food industry from fuel oil price in- with cement companies to develop a tinued, “as these companies are very sales, he said, made up 19% of the uted to increased local demand Minster of Petroleum Osama Ka- creases; diesel and fuel oil prices for plan to raise gas prices for factories. heavy users of energy resources and company’s sales and regional rev- for widescreen television sets. mal said that the decision to increase these companies and sectors will thus The meeting concluded that the price the country is losing a lot of money. enues by the end of 2012. Television sets considered “wi- gas, fuel oil, and diesel prices for ce- remain at EGP 1,000 per tonne. hikes would not be appropriate at the We already have an energy shortage Bi added during the confer- descreen” included those begin- ment and brick factories came after an Diesel prices will be periodically current time and that prices should be and this is the first year we have had ence that the company sought to ning at 40 inches, with the larg- agreement with Minister of Industry reviewed for the next three years in increased gradually. to import natural gas”. further increase sales by releas- est, most expensive sets nearing and International Trade Hatem Saleh. order for the government to recoup Chair of the Department of Petro- He added: “There must be some ing a number of new and innova- 75 inches, and costing upwards of Kamal also said that a decision has production costs, with the new prices leum and Energy Engineering at the sort of regulation to organise local tive products, such as automated AED 94,000. been taken to improve energy price announced each year. American University in Cairo (AUC) cement and brick prices in order to distortions for factories in order to Managing Director of Beni Suef Ce- Professor Magdy Nasrallah, agreed ensure that our local production lines ensure fair competition between ment Farouq Mostafa criticised the tim- with the decision. won’t be affected, and that our prod- them by applying uniform prices on ing of the decision, claiming that it would Nasrallah accused foreign cement ucts are sold at reasonable prices.” Daily news government proposes alternative egypt As a valued DNE newspaper reader, please economic plan to iMF loan e-mail our circulation manager to activate your subscription By Nada Bawi are likely to fail explaining that tax in- He also advised Qandil’s govern- rect invitation for investors to invest creases have already led to “public ment to address workers’ problems again in Egypt,” said Mohamed Gouda, An economic reform programme outcry” when President Mohamed to avoid a further wave of strikes and member of the Freedom and Justice [email protected] is the Egyptian Cabinet’s alternative Morsi took drastic measures to in- protests, which have led to significant Party. “It’s our strongest option right plan if the proposed $4.8bn Interna- crease taxes on a range of consumer political turmoil since Morsi was now.” tional Monetary Fund (IMF) negotia- goods on services. elected president. Gouda stated that a general con- Subscription Period: Discount: Final Price: = per copy: tions fail, announced Prime Minister Sales taxes were imposed on ce- “A technocratic government could sensus has been reached between Hesham Qandil in a press conference ment, steel, soft drinks, cigarettes, and be a solution right now and it could be political parties regarding the loan. 1 to 25 daily copies: last Thursday. alcohol, among many other products selected by members of the opposi- “However, a few disagreements oc- Six Months: 12% LE 458 LE 3.52 The programme aims at reducing and services. tion to act as a transitional govern- curred between Islamic parties due Twelve Months: 14% LE 898 LE 3.44 the country’s budget deficit from 11% The President also announced tax ment,” El-Khereiby suggested. to the existence of the interest rate” 26 to 100 daily copies: to 10.4% for this fiscal year. increases last December to reduce Governor of the Central Bank of he said. “Unfortunately this will not Economic expert Sherif El-Khere- the public deficit by increasing state Egypt Hisham Ramez warned of infla- change overnight.” Six Months: 20% LE 422 LE 3.20 iby, however, said that “it is impossible revenue in order for Egypt to be eli- tion in a television statement saying: But Gouda trusts that the IMF ne- Twelve Months: 25% LE 792 LE 3.00 to find an alternative economic plan gible for the IMF loan. “Inflation will likely affect the majority gotiations will resume smoothly. 101 and more daily copies: immediately, but the government El-Khereiby explained that the cur- of Egyptians if the IMF loan is to take Qandil’s cabinet is expected to Six Months: 30% LE 369 LE 2.80 could try to revive the economy rent government has proven to be place.” invite the IMF delegation to resume through tourism and security”. “inept” in proposing any viable eco- “The IMF loan is a great opportu- negotiations over the loan within the Twelve Months: 40% LE 633 LE 2.40 He added that the IMF negotiations nomic programmes so far. nity for Egypt and serves as an indi- next month. 8 Daily news egypt THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013 art & CUltUre Art should make a statement and Culture is what surrounds us. events

Music Operation #ColoringthruCorruption By Thoraia Abou Bakr roads, facilities and bridges. This money The Cadillacs and Glass Onion goes into private pockets and makes its Enjoy a night of rock and roll While most people colour streets way to governors and local councils. at Cairo Jazz Club with The and pavements to beautify local In the end your car is wrecked by the neighbourhoods, one group of street potholes in the road, which [are big Cadillacs, and then enjoy the artists are doing the opposite. Street enough to] break cars and swallow classical tunes of The Beatles as art has seen an overwhelming surge whole human beings,” one of the art- performed by the Egyptian band in popularity after the revolution with ists said, adding a heart-breaking note: Glass Onion. graffiti of political slogans and pow- “This is our shameful reality.” Cairo Jazz Club erful images painted on every street Obviously the group is passionate 197, 26 of July Street corner. However, a group of street about what they do. “It is amazing what artists are using colour to reshape the a group of enthusiastic cultural agents Agouza, Cairo minds of Egyptians. are capable of doing when working Tel: (02) 3345 9939 Every once in a while the #Color- for one cause,” said the artist. The 21 February 8pm ingThruCorruption hashtag explodes group has put up a Google document with tweets about their recent proj- for people to add their contact details Yehia Khalil ect. We managed to contact one of so they can be notified of the time the artists involved in the project, and place of their next “operation”. “I Egyptian jazz musician Yehia but he wanted to remain anonymous. salute everyone who took part in this. Khalil is performing at the Cairo “We did it [the project] together, and We will notify you of the next destina- Opera House’s Small Hall. Tick- I do not like to speak of it as mine,” tion as soon as we set our minds to ets available in the ticket office. he said. The group colours everything: it. Until then, fill in this form if you are Cairo Opera House walls, water pipes, and even tempo- interested in joining and pass it on to Small Hall rary plastic fences on the ring road. your friends. Spread the cause,” urges They take the project so seriously the artist on his Facebook page. El Borg Gezira

that they have dubbed it an operation, page Facebook Courtesy of #ColoringThruCorruption The group of young artists face the Zamalek, Cairo with one artist tweeting: “Operation The group at work on the Cairo ring road at night dangerous conditions of the Cairene Tel: (02) 2739 0144 #ColoringThruCorruption is up and streets when they add their colours 21 February 8pm running.” The project is quite altruis- they exert a tremendous effort in We want you to pay attention to the ernment is putting them in. “You are to draw attention to corruption. As tic; the artists spend their own money planning and execution. reality of the situation,” said one of being robbed. Every year when you go they turn more sites in Cairo into il- to purchase the colourful paint and “We are not here to beautify the the artists. The group wants people to to renew your driver’s license you pay legal riots of colour, they hope that Maghna Khan Band equipment. And in addition to that, ring road and make it nice and pretty. realise the dire situation that the gov- money for fines and for the renewal of those in power will get the message. Darb 1718 is hosting Egyptian band Maghna Khan for a night of soft tunes based on folkloric Bussy empowers women through theatre heritage. a slur on my womanhood Darb 1718 Many projects to empower women Kasr El Shama’ Street have been created recently. The initia- I am a failure as a female. Or so I Old Cairo, Cairo tives have sprung up to oppose the have been told by an authority on Tel: 0127 941 1698 cultural mishaps of Egyptian society such matters. And no, this time it 21 February 7pm as well as the organised harassment was not the religious fanatics who of women. However, there are several keep issuing statements about initiatives that have been addressing women that defy logic and de- Wust Al Balad the same issues for some time. One of cency. It was the king of roads and The iconic Wust Al Balad are these projects, which has been around all things Egyptian who passed this back at Sakia to treat you to a since 2006 and aims to use creativity judgment: a Cairo cabbie. night of their pure Egyptian and to empower women, is called BuSSy, The capital’s taxi drivers are al- Adel Heine modern tunes. which means “look” in Arabic. ways good for some controversial The group’s Facebook page clearly conversation and if you are ever must do so at once. I would have El Sawy Culture Wheel states their purpose: “BuSSy is a proj- stuck at a social gathering, where liked to say yes to avoid the lecture End of 26th of July Street ect intended to empower women uncomfortable silences beg to be but I dreaded having to discuss the Zamalek, Cairo and raise awareness about women’s page Facebook Courtesy of BuSSy filled, broach the subject and you tests and examinations I had under- Tel: (02) 2736 6178 issues through creative means.” The Performers from BuSSy on stage in Jordan will rise to the top of the ‘must be gone. By then I was as helplessly and 21 February 8pm project began with two students at invited list’ for years to come. Every- hopelessly stuck in the conversation the American University in Cairo exploring the relationship between site they share the positive reactions one has at least one good cab story as I was in the back of the car. who wanted to document women’s genders and the power struggles that of women in the Metro, some of them to share and once you get past the I tried to stem the tide by saying Ballet experiences in an artistic way. They these relationships can create. asking if they were creating other trying-to-rip-me-off tales, they can it was not proper to talk about this wanted to turn women into their With global focus shifting to- projects to criticise harassment and be very amusing. when he asked me with concern if Swan lake own storytellers, countering their wards social media, it is surprising assault. In July 2012 they performed Now there are a few rules when I slept with my husband, moving his Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet exclusion from traditional social nar- that BuSSy chose theatre for their live in the street, and onlookers were it comes to conversation in cabs; if hips to make sure I understood what will be performed by the Cairo ratives: “The monologues exposed main medium. However, their web- not aware they were watching per- you speak first you are pretty much he was talking about, but to no avail. real women’s stories and provided a site explains this: “Why theatre? Be- formances. During these street per- expected to talk until you arrive at The next 15 minutes were filled Opera Ballet Company, accom- space for free expression on issues cause we felt that this would be the formances they staged three fake your destination. Earphones, sun- with explicit advice on which folk panied by the Cairo Opera that society was failing to address,” best way to reach a large body of harassment situations to see how glasses, lack of Arabic or monosyl- remedies are guaranteed to improve Orchestra. Tickets are available explains their website. people while providing the storytell- people passing by would react. labic answers can usually get you my chances of conceiving, and this at the ticket office. The project creates theatrical per- ers - women and men - with a direct After struggling to find a venue out of any discussions but when fountain of fertility lore made sure Cairo Opera House formances of those tales, and the peo- opportunity to publicly reclaim the for their performances in 2010, the you make the opening gambit you I understood him well by pointing Main Hall ple who work on those performances truth as they experienced it.” project has since performed in several are doomed to debate. to the body parts involved in what are volunteers. BuSSy does not use In 2010, they were censored dur- famous locations both inside and out- Depending who Lady Luck, and needed to be done to get me a baby. El Borg Gezira professionals, only people who want ing a performance at the Cairo Opera side Egypt. In September 2012 they boy she has a sarcastic sense of It started with boiling milk with Zamalek, Cairo to either tell their own stories or help House, and resorted to miming the performed in Amman, Jordan, dur- humour, has teamed you up with one pod of cardamom (one and not Tel: (02) 2739 0144 others to tell theirs. In 2010, the proj- censored parts. After the perfor- ing the Hekaya Festival. After visiting for the ride many things can hap- more!), that should be rubbed on 21 February 8pm ect extended beyond the confines of mance they were endorsed by actor Amman, the project performed in pen. Unfortunately last week I met the male privates (he pointed out the university and became an “inde- and activist Khaled Aboul Naga. Beirut’s Menassa for Contemporary a man who drove as if competing where those reside in case I was un- pendent theatre project”. They also Provocatively, the BuSSy group Arab Theater in October 2012. Most in a Formula 1 race and was very aware), and inserted in my nether exhiBition started taking on other stories; in- started to take their performances recently, in February 2013, they per- concerned with family. After just a regions. I closed my eyes here to stead of only focusing on women, they to more public places, including the formed at the Audrey Emerton lec- brief time in this taxi I contemplated avoid seeing those hand gestures. Black Cat: A Prison experience started to incorporate men’s stories, ladies’ Metro carriages. On their web- ture theatre in Brighton, UK. my options: an undignified expulsion This was followed by the need to After being falsely imprisoned of my barely digested dinner or an- eat lots of gargir, sleeping with gar- for the robbery of a Van Gogh swering a myriad of questions about gir under my bed and only having painting, Mohsen Shaalan exhibits myself. So I asked him to slow down physical relations in the morning or else I would be sick. And he did, after which I was not supposed to the paintings that he did while Camel races in the desert followed immediately by the expect- move for two hours and to make doing his sentence. ed holy trinity of questions for the sure I did that every day. A veritable Gezirah Art Center white woman: Where are you from? avalanche of advice was poured over 1 El Masrafy Street How long have you been here? Are my uncomfortable head. Zamalek, Cairo you married? When I arrived home I nearly fell After I had assured him I was out of the car in my haste to leave Tel: (02) 2737 3298 married and, yes, to an Egyptian, I the barrage of embarrassing medi- 21 February 10am fully expected him to treat me with cal nonsense and thought longingly the distance and respect that usu- of a shower as the cabbie rolled ally follows these statements. I was his window down and shouted af- not necessarily telling the truth, but I ter me through my quiet, nighttime could have been, and it just makes life neighbourhood: “Make sure you do easier so it is a white lie I often tell. all these things I told you and re- Weather All was going well until I stupidly member to let the milk cool down Thursday, February 21 said I had no children. Big, big mis- before you use it and have sex.” As take. And my frantic scramble to the bawab from next door stared at Alexandria 23°C / 12°C undo the damage by piously declar- me with raised eyebrows, my con-

Aswan 29°C / 14°C El-AzzazyNasser ing that it is all in the hand of the lord cerned friend added: “I just want Cairo 26°C / 15°C Camels are cheered on by supporters riding alongside in pick ups above was too late. to help you to get pregnant.” And Happily stepping over all bound- if this was not enough he followed Hurghada 28°C / 15°C Last Wednesday 15 Bedouin tribes Al-Arish city. The main activity of tween Bedouin tribes and unite aries he asked me if my imaginary that with: “Without a child you are Luxor 29°C / 14°C celebrated the end of the H’jen the festival was camel racing, which them. The competition included husband and I had been to a doctor, not a woman.” Sharm El-Sheikh 28°C / 15°C Festival for the revival of tourism. is a tradition in North Sinai. seven small races and the winners and proceeded to berate me for a So, there you have my failure to The festival was held at the Al H’jen Traditionally camel races have earned EGP 30,000 in total prize good five minutes, repeating that I be female. Suez 22°C / 11°C Club, H’jen means breeds, west of been used to resolve conflicts be- money.