News Coverage prepared for: The European Union delegation to Egypt
. Disclaimer:
“This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of authors of articles and under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of IPSOS or the European Union.”
1
. Thematic Headlines
Domestic Scene The White House will Grant Egypt Aids 200 Salafist Leaders Consider Presidential Candidacy Abu al-Futouh: al-Shater will be Loyal to the General Guide Contestations against al-Shater’s Nomination for Presidency Sabbahi Applies his Documents Today Copts against an Islamist President The Presidential Race The Muslim Brotherhood Will not Withdraw Confidence from the Government Egypt Denies launching Rockets from Sinai against Israel The High Presidential Elections Commission Extends the Registration Period for Expatriate Egyptians The Syndicate of Journalists Withdraw from the Constituent Assembly The Theocracy of the Muslim Brotherhood Abu al-Futouh, an Original Egyptian NGOs’ Suspects Wanted in Egypt The ALTRAS Refuse to End their Sit-in Former Members of the Constituent Assembly: from Defense to Attack The US Reassures the Muslim Brotherhood Why doesn’t Suleiman Want Presidency? 34 Legal Reasons against al-Shater as a Presidential Candidate The Egyptian Army will not Support any Presidential Candidate
2
Newspapers (06/04/2012)
Pages: 1 Author: Not mentioned
The White House will Grant Egypt Aids
Spokesman of the White House Jay Carney aid the American Administration approved US aids to Egypt as lump sum.
Carney believes that dealing with the different parties in Egypt served the United States’ interests; for Egypt, as he says, has always been an important ally and has played an important role in the region.
In a press conference, Carney asserted that Egypt’s respect to the international treaties it had signed; especially the treaty with Israel was on the top of the issues discussed in the meeting held between White House Officials and a delegation from the Muslim Brotherhood and other Egyptian political players.
3
Pages: 4 Author: Muhammad Anz
200 Salafist Leaders Consider Presidential Candidacy
The general Shura Council of the Salafist Call held a meeting in Alexandria yesterday in the attendance of 200 of its leaders to discuss the presidential elections and the candidate that the Salafist Call would support.
The Salafist Call considers support the Muslim Brotherhood’s Candidate Khairat al-Shater. The decision to support al-Shater will be in consistence with the Islamist Movements Coalition Call to be united in supporting one presidential candidate.
4
Pages: 4 Author: Sameh Lachine
Abu al-Futouh: al-Shater will be Loyal to the General Guide
Presidential Candidate Abd al-Munim Abu al-Futouh saids if Khairat al-Shater won the elections, his loyalty would always be for the general guide of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Abu al-Futouh believes that the Muslim Brotherhood has committed a mistake by nominating al-Shater for presidency.
Abu al-Futouh also criticized the Muslim Brotherhood’s lack of transparency in its political views and stances.
Abu al-Futouh also called on Egyptians not to vote to anybody who belonged to the former regime.
5
Pages: 4 Author: Fikri Abd al-Salam and Tariq Ismail
Contestations against al-Shater’s Nomination for Presidency
A lawyer filed a contestation to the Attorney General in Alexandria against the nomination of Khairat al-Shater. The contestation argument depended on al-Shater’s serious health condition. Al-Shater had been released from prison for his health reasons.
6
Pages: 4 Author: Mustafa al-Mileji
Sabbahi Applies his Documents Today
Potential Presidential Candidate Hamadain Sabbahi is to apply his official documents to be a presidential candidate. Sabbahi could get more than 30 thousand endorsements.
Sabbahi is to hold a press conference to present his protocol.
In an unprecedented step, Sabbahi’s campaign has set a strategy to deal with the other candidates’ campaigns.
7
Pages: 5 Author: Muhamamd Hijab
Copts against an Islamist President
A limited poll conducted by the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights in nine Egyptian governorates showed Copts rejection to support any Islamist presidential candidate.
Head of the organization, Najid Jibrael declared that 78 % of Copts supported Amr Mussa while 22% supported Abd al-Munim Abu al-Futouh.
8
Pages: 1, 4, 5 Author: Many authors
The Presidential Race
Like all Egyptian newspapers, al-Masry al-Yom devoted pages for the presidential race in Egypt.
Sunday is the last day for candidates to apply. Candidates and potential candidate are racing with time to complete the needed documents.
Muslim Brotherhood’s Candidate Khairat al-Shater applied his papers yesterday amidst celebrations of his fellow members and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Ahmad Shafiq also applied hi s papers to the High Presidential Elections Commission with 63 thousand endorsements [30 thousand only is needed]. Shafiq was accompanied with ‘unlimited” number of his supporters.
In the presidential race, al-Masry al-Yom reported on news about robbery at the headquarters of Amr Mussa’s campaign.
Hamaden Sabbahi presented his papers with 30 thousand endorsements.
Al-Shater meets Salafist leadership to discuss the presidential race.
Abboud al-Zumur, member of the Shura Council of al-Jamaah al-Islamiyah called for investigating into the properties and financial issues of al-Shater if he was to become president.
Supporters of Omar Suleiman voice their rejection to his abstention from nominating himself by organizing demonstrations in Abasiyah. Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood welcomed publishing photos of Omar Suleiman greeting Netanyahu, arguing that no one would elect someone who greeted Netanyahu.
9
In a related context, Sheik Hazfiz Salamah, a leader of the public resistance in Sues referred to some deal between the Muslim Brotherhood and SCAF through the nomination of al-Shater who, in Salamah’s opinion is not qualified to be president.
Ayman Nour will organize a demonstration today against the contestation filed against his nomination.
Meanwhile, Salafist candidate Hazim Salah Abu Ismail is trying to get out of the trouble caused by his mother’s American nationality. American New York Times published documents that show Hazim Abu Ismail’s mother’s name of voters list in the United States. Abu Ismail I trying to take many procedures in this response. The mass demonstration scheduled today to support him apart; Abu Ismail will send a delegation to the United States to verify the New York Tomes documents.
Abu Ismail supporters declared that the documents might be forged and promised to offer “martyrs” if Abu Ismail was out of the presidential race.
Similar news was reported in all the other newspapers on eth front pages and inside.
10
Pages: 3 Author: Mansour Kamil
The Muslim Brotherhood Will not Withdraw Confidence from the Government
A high-ranked governmental source reported on talks between SCAF and the Muslim Brotherhood and its political arm the Freedom and Justice Party. The talks resulted in convincing the Muslim Brotherhood to step back on their decision to withdraw confidence from al-Ganzouri government for the negative impacts of such decision on the national economy.
On its part the government promised to provide the Parliament with detailed reports about the economical issues.
11
Pages: 3 Author: Muhammad al-Buhairi and others
Egypt Denies launching Rockets from Sinai against Israel
An Egyptian military source denied launching rockets towards Israel.
The Egyptian Armed Forces intense its security measures on the borders with Israel after the Israeli Army had announced a rocket from Egypt into the Israeli territories.
General Mahmoud al-Hifnawi denied the news, asserting the “excellent” security conditions in South Sinais.
“These are malicious rumors that Israel has always spread,” said Governor of South Sinai Gen Kjhalid Foudah.
Similar news was reported in al-Ahram, pp. 1, 9; al-Akhbar, p. 3; al-Tahrir, p. 1; al- Gomhouriyah, p. 3
12
Pages: 3 Author: Muhammad Ismael
The High Presidential Elections Commission Extends the Registration Period for Expatriate Egyptians
The High Presidential Elections Commission responded to a Foreign Ministry demand to extend the registration period for expatriate voters until April 11.
13
Pages: 3 Author: Not mentioned
The Syndicate of Journalists Withdraw from the Constituent Assembly
The Council of the Syndicate of Journalists declared withdrawing from the Constituent Assembly that is assigned t draft the constitution.
The Council issued a communiqué in which it asserted that the tie with the assembly was based on the existence of a real national solidarity. The communiqué also asserted the Syndicate adoption of all the articles related to freedoms in the constitution.
14
Pages: 1, 5 Author: Hani Samir and Asma al-Qadi
The Theocracy of the Muslim Brotherhood
Presidential Candidate Khairat al-Shater’s declarations about applying the Shriaa [the Islamic law] as a priority provoked considerable controversy. Al-Shater declared his intention to form a “bind and loose group.” [the rules of the Muslim Brotherhood in general, political, administrative, legislative and judicial matters then loosing, dissolving, all this for a given reason.
Tal-Shater’s declarations were considered to e a sign of an upcoming theocracy and the beginning of the Caliphate state. Political experts also expected a rule on the example of the Iranian, Taliban or Sudanese rules.
Issam Shihah, member of the Supreme Body of al-Wafd Party that the Muslim Brotherhood wanted to take over the political power in Egypt as the first step towards building the Islamic theocracy.
15
Pages: 1 Author: Mahmoud Shaban Bayyoumi and Ahmad al-Barmawi
Abu al-Futouh, an Original Egyptian
A Qatari official asserted that Presidential Candidate Abd al-Munim Abu al- Futouh did not have the Qatari nationality.
As such, the Qatari official denied what was rumored about Abu al-Futouh having the Qatari nationality.
Abu al-Futouh himself had denied the rumors, expressing his pride of his Egyptian nationality.
16
Pages: 3 Author: Thomas Georsian
NGOs’ Suspects Wanted in Egypt
The Egyptian government called the US Department of Justice to locate the suspects in the case of NGOs and inform them about the court session that will be held on April 10, 2012.
American sources announced that after the US had approved the military aids to Egypt, Egypt called on the Interpol to deliver the suspects to Egypt.
al-Tahrirs reports on intensive talks between Cairo and Washington to contain the situation.
Similar news was reported in al-Yom al-Sabei, p. 3.
17
Pages: 3 Author: Maisa Fahmi and Amirah Muhammadain
The ALTRAS Refuse to End their Sit-in
The Ahli Team hardcore fans [ALTRAS] refused a mediation of al-Ahli team administration to end their sit-in in front of the Ministry of Interior.
The ALTRAS refused to negotiate and asserted that they
The ALTRAS also protested against moving the trial sessions of the suspects in the Port Said incidents to the Culture Palace in Ismailiya instead of the Police Academy.
18
Pages: 5 Author: Ahmad Abd al-Halim, Rania Rabei and Muhamamd al-Fiqi
Former Members of the Constituent Assembly: from Defense to Attack
The former Constituent Assembly members are having intensive meetings to consider the possible procedures that can be taken to put pressure on Parliament to reform the assembly that is dominated by the Islamists.
A number of political parties will boycott the committee. Meanwhile, a number of political players are to organize today demonstrations to protest the assembly.
Similar news was reported in al-Tahrir, p. 3; al-Yom al-Sabei, p. 5
19
’ Pages: 1 Author: Reem Abd al-Hamid
The US Reassures the Muslim Brotherhood
A Muslim Brotherhood delegation visited Washing town. The visit was in the American media spotlight. American sources declared supporting al-Shater as president in Egypt.
White House sources declared that the meeting with the Muslim Brotherhood delegation was not unprecedented, referring to previous meetings during the mandate of Husni Mubarak.
Al-Yom al-Sabei was informed about a meeting between the Muslim Brotherhood’s delegation and CIA officials.
20
Pages: 3 Author: Dandarawi al-Hawwari
Why doesn’t Suleiman Want Presidency?
Al-Yom al-Sabei reported on news about an influential military figure being behind the absetention of Omar Suleiman from running the presidential elections.
The military leadership has reportedly informed the former vice president about its rejection to get a prominent figure in the Intelligence Service apparatus in the electoral process. It is noteworthy that Suleiman was once head of the Intelligence Service in Egypt.
21
Pages: 4 Author: Khadijah Afifi
34 Legal Reasons against al-Shater as a Presidential Candidate
Gen Rifaat Abd al-Hamid, expert of Criminal Science declared that there were 34 legal reasons against al-Shater as a presidential candidate.
Al-Ahram published the Abd al-Hamid’s argument in details.
22
Pages: 6 Author: Islam al-Rajihi
The Egyptian Army will not Support any Presidential Candidate
Potential Presidential Candidate Gen Gen Muhammad Ali Bilal said the Muslim Brotherhood’ Freedom and Justice e best for Egypt nominated al-Shater after they had recognized that Ganzouri’s government would not support the electoral program of the party.
Gen Bilal believes that a parliamentary ruling system is the best for Egypt after the Jan 25 revolution.
He also asserted that eth Egyptian Army will not nominate or support any presidential candidate.
23
TV Coverage (05/04/2012)
Channel: al-Hayah TV Program: al-Hayah al-Yom Presenter: Lubna Assal
Khairat al-Shater applied his papers to become eh 12th presidential candidate.
The Ministry of Interior asserts that Hazem Salah Abu Ismail’s mother was American and used her American Passport 5 times.
Ahmad Shafiq applies his papers to the High Presidential Elections Commission.
The withdrawing members of the Constituent Assembly refuse to rejoin it.
Channel: CH 1 News: Akhbar Masr Time: 17:00:00 The Syndicate of Journalists withdraws from the Constituent Assembly. Gen Mamdouh Chahin reiterated SCAF’s neutralism towards the Constituent Assembly. Minister of Finance asserted that the government was doing its best to restore the smuggled money.
Channel: CH 1 Program: News in 24 hours
The Egyptian stock market reaches a second peak amongst the world stock markets this year.
24
Radio Coverage (05/04/2012)
News Channel: Radio Masr
Khairat al-Shater applied his papers to the High Presidential Elections Commission to become the presidential candidate No. 12. (18:00:00)
The Syndicate of Journalists withdraws from the Constituent Assembly. (18:00:00)
The Ministry of Interior reveals Abu Ismail’s mother was an American national and she used her American passport five times. (25:00:00)
Egyptian scientist Muhamamd Nasha’i, a presidential candidate. (25:00:00)
News Channel: Al-Shark Al-Awsat
Ahmad Shfiq applies to the High Presidential Elections Commission. (23:00:00) The High Presidential Elections Commission approved expending the registration period for expatriate Egyptian voters. (20:00:00)
25
Internet Coverage (6/4/2012)
Facebook We are all Khaled Saeed
Four years ago, most of us were sitting in their houses, cautious, afraid to talk about politics, do not partake in protests and terrified of the state security agency. Thanks to each boy and girl who broke the barrier of fear on April 6, 2008. Thank you April 6 youth.
As one of the October 6 officers, I congratulate the April 6 officers. (Galal Amer on April 6, 2011)
This photo was taken from Mahla. We have said it before to the suppressor: Freedom will come inevitably. https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak- prn1/538379_379726768743860_104224996294040_895954_1552175771_n.jpg The keyword is the youth from April 6, who staged silent stands to demand the rights of Khaled Saeed and staged protests outside the Interior Ministry. Those youth were a constant source of pain to the dictatorial system of Mubarak. Youths have taken to the streets on January 25 and Ultras (hardcore football fans) youths are staging a sit-in to continue the revolution. The youths are the hope and the future. We will emerge victorious, even if not momentarily. https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak- ash3/556300_379742315408972_104224996294040_895983_604301150_n.jpg
News flash: Omar Soliman says he would run for the presidency if the proxies needed were issued by tomorrow. He started his statement with “dear brothers and sisters.”
Omar Soliman said he would work on achieving the goals of the revolution. He must have meant the goals of the 1952 revolution. Down, down military rule!
When American reporter Christiane Amanpour asked Major General Omar Soliman, the vice president on February 5, about the revolution, he said it was a foreign conspiracy masterminded by certain quarters, pinpointing to the Muslim Brotherhood. When she told him don’t you think the youth want freedom, pride and democracy, he said everyone wants democracy but the question is when.
Egyptian Cabinet:
Interior Ministry: The ministry has carried out 9,246 court rulings and seized 62 stolen cars in one day.
26
The Muslim Brotherhood:
Freedom and Justice Party Takes Part in Carnegie Endowment for Peace Conference
On Thursday, a delegation from the Egyptian Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) takes part in a conference at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace in Washington about democratic change in North Africa and its impact on the region.
Dr. Essam Al-Haddad, FJP Foreign Relations Committee Officer, said that the visit came at the invitation of the Carnegie Endowment for Peace, two months ago. He added that this is the first of a series of planned visits carried out by the FJP’s Foreign Affairs Committee. That will include China, South Africa, England and the United States of America.
The visits aim to open new channels in the FJP’s foreign relations, and discuss ways of cooperation between Egypt and these countries. Dr. Al-Haddad denied any relationship between the FJP delegation’s current visit to the US and the decision to nominate Khairat Al-Shater for the presidency.
Dr. Haddad stressed that the presidential election is an internal Egyptian affair, and that no foreign power has the right to interfere in it. He underscored that the party is seeking to establish better and stronger foreign relations, based on mutual respect and cooperation.
Nawara Negm Blog:
Beware! Omar Soliman is coming. https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak- prn1/553347_10151452237840268_569960267_23144404_2123581668_n.jpg
Twitter Wael Abbas:
Sometimes, I fear for my camera more than my personal safety. On May 25, 2005, I was beaten up brutally because I refused to let off my camera. I was holding it like my baby.
According to The New York Times: Washington backs the Muslim Brotherhood presidential nominee in Egypt not because they like him but because they fear that Hazem Abu-Ismail becomes president.
27
The Palestinian intelligence arrested Dr. Essmat Abdel-Khaleq, a professor in a West Bank university, because she slandered Mahmoud Abbas on Facebook.
Asmaa Mahfouz:
I owe an apology to Saad el-Soghayar. He is a respectable man.
What is going on in the square?
We had a dream that we can achieve change. https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=213568599442
Calls for January 25 2010 by April 6 Movement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- 5do1cLeuIY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I hate Tantawi more than I hate Mubarak. I wish he suffers the same fate of Mel Gibson in Brave Heart. #fact
Monasosh:
Humans are not nice creatures.
I am watching now ONTV Live. The number of Abu-Ismail supporters is not low. #tahrir
What’s this! People in Abbassiya Square to support Omar Soliman, Cute!
Iyad elbaghdadi:
There's such a striking disparity between the poverty of "official speak" and the wealth of voices and discussions in the virtual world.
The "lecturer" paradigm: Saying pretty much the same thing, week to week, year to year, to different groups. This paradigm is failing.
Mind you, there's a big-C "Civilization" (e.g. the Roman Civilization) and a small-c "civilization" (e.g. you're not civilized)
BTW, there's a loud demonstration for #Egypt candidate for presidency, Hazem Abu- Ismail, in #Tahrir right now.
This candidate or that candidate, whenever a group of people meet in #Tahrir to chant loudly against #SCAF, it's music to my ears. #Egypt
So have you guys been following the whole controversy concerning Abu Ismail's mother's nationality? #Egypt
28
It's a difficult place to be talking about the big picture when everyone is obsessed with the details of the details. #ArabSpringManifesto
Twitter is far more interesting and relevant than official newspapers or official TV channels.
Sunni-Shia sectarians, you should know you're picking a fight that your children's children will have to live through. #Syria #ArabSpring
The Sunni-Shia schism is very much related to certain events that took a libertarian religion and turned it into a caricature of itself.
If the sight of a woman not wearing hijab enrages you more than that of a child begging, feel your chest to see if you still have a heart.
Most people are good intentioned. Very, very few are genuinely evil. So few that it's statistically insignificant.
It really comes as a shock to many that Islam had no concept of a religious police for the first century or so.
The post-#ArabSpring Arab economy needs two things: Real entrepreneurship initiatives, and true 21st century education initiatives.
Arabist:
New on Arabist: Egypt's constitutional crisis (continued) http://www.arabist.net/blog/2012/4/6/egypts-constitutional-crisis-continued.html
Suleiman's candidacy reversal is just bizarre.
MB brownshirts. http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/755151
Gsquare86:
I miss Egypt so much, one week to go.
29
. Publication overview
Al-Ahram: Egyptian state-run official daily newspaper
Founded in 1875, is the most widely circulating Egyptian daily newspaper, and the second oldest after al-Waqa'i`al-Masriya (English: The Egyptian Events, founded 1828). It is majority owned by the Egyptian government.
Al-Akhbar: Egyptian state-owned semi-official daily newspaper
It was founded in May 1952 as a part of Akhbar El Yom.
Al-Gomhoria: Egyptian state-owned daily newspaper
An influential state-owned Egyptian Arabic language daily newspaper. It was established in 1954.
Al-Shorouk: Egyptian daily independent newspaper
Is a prominent Arabic newspaper published in Egypt [1] and several other Arabic nations It is a daily independent newspaper, covering mainly politics, militant affairs and sport.
Al-Masry al-Yom: Independent daily newspaper
On 7 June 2004, it published its first edition. The paper initially circulated primarily amongst Cairo’s intellectual elite, providing objective news coverage in the belief that good news would beat sensationalist reporting found in other Egyptian print media. After 3 years, it was challenging Al-Ahram for the status of being the national paper of record. Though
Tahrir: Daily independent newspaper
Dostor: Daily independent newspaper
Yom 7: Daily independent newspaper
30
Table of Content: Newspapers ………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………3-24 Al Ahram Newspaper The White House wills Grant Egypt Aids……………………………………………………………………………………….3 200 Salafist Leaders Consider Presidential Candidacy………………………………………………………………...………4 Abu al-Futouh: al-Shater will be Loyal to the General Guide…………………………………………………………………5 Contestations against al-Shater’s Nomination for Presidency……………………………………………………….………..6 Sabbahi Applies his Documents Today……………………………………………………………………..……………….…..7 Copts against an Islamist President………………………………………………………………………………………..…….8 Al Masry Al Yawm Newspaper The Presidential Race…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………9-10 The Muslim Brotherhood Will not Withdraw Confidence from the Government………………………….…………….11 Egypt denies launching Rockets from Sinai against Israel………………………………………………………….………..12 Al Gomhouria Newspaper The High Presidential Elections Commission Extends the Registration Period for Expatriate Egyptians ……………..13 The Syndicate of Journalists Withdraw from the Constituent Assembly…………………………………………….……..14 Al Dostour Newspaper The Theocracy of the Muslim Brotherhood…………………………………………………………………………..………..15 Al Tahrir Newspaper Abu al-Futouh, an Original Egyptian…………………………………………………………………………….…………….16 NGOs’ Suspects Wanted in Egypt………………………………………………………………………………………………17 Al Sherouk Newspaper The ALTRAS Refuse to End their Sit-in………………………………………………………………………………...………18 Former Members of the Constituent Assembly: from Defense to Attack…………………………………………………..19 Al youm al sabea Newspaper The US Reassures the Muslim Brotherhood…………………………………………………………………….……………..20 Why doesn’t Suleiman Want Presidency?...... 21 Al Akhbar Newspaper 34 Legal Reasons against al-Shater as a Presidential Candidate…………………………….……………………………….22 The Egyptian Army will not Support any Presidential Candidate………………………………………………………….23 TV Coverage…………………………………………………………………………………..………...……………….……24-24 Al-Hayah channel………………………………………………………………………….……….……………….……………24 Channel 1…………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….……24 Radio Coverage……………………………………………………………………..…….…..……….…………….…..……….25 Radio Misr……………………………………………………………………………………….………………………..….……25 Al Shark al awsat…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………25 Internet coverage………………………………………………………………………………...………...…………………26-29 Facebook………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………..26 The Muslim Brotherhood………………………………………………………………………………………..……………….27 Nawara Negm Blog………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..27 Twitter………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….27-29
31