Dr. Hisham Qandil demanded Wednesday that the U.S. administration to take a firm stand against the producers of the film offending the Prophet (Muhammad) within the framework of international covenants which criminalizes acts that stir up disorder on the basis of race, color, or religion.
GOVERNMENT & OPPOSITION
Egyptian foreign ministry commits to protecting embassies
[Ahram Online, 9/12/2012] The Egyptian foreign ministry released a statement on Tuesday in reaction to demonstrations at the US embassy in Cairo protesting an anti-Islam film reportedly being produced by US-based Coptic-Christian Egyptians. The ministry stressed the importance of protecting all embassies and diplomatic envoys in Egypt, as well as foreigners working in the country, adding that Egypt expects its envoys to receive similar treatment abroad. The Vienna Convention, which Egypt was one of the first states to sign in 1961, obliges Egypt to protect embassies and provide them with security, the statement added.
Brotherhood to capitalize on Turkey’s municipal elections expertise
[Egypt Independent, 9/11/2012] The Muslim Brotherhood is sending 50 young group members to Turkey to draw on the experience of its Justice and Development Party for municipal elections. “Municipalities are the backbone of the country,” said Guidance Bureau member Mohamed Wahdan. “And we will coordinate with all political forces in the elections.”
COURTS & CONSTITUTION
Constitution draft to be completed in 45 days
[Egypt Independent, 9/11/2012] Constituent Assembly spokesman Wahid Abdel Meguid said on Monday that the first draft of the new constitution would be completed in 45 days. “The draft faces criticism from various factions of society,” he said. “We will make sure it reflects all views.” “The freedoms chapter is almost complete, save for the article on women’s freedoms that needs adjustment,” he added.
Court acquits prominent comedian of blasphemy charges
[Egypt Independent, Ahram (Arabic), 9/12/2012] The Al-Haram Misdemeanor Appeals Court on Wednesday acquitted actor Adel Imam of blasphemy charges after accepting his appeal against a three-month prison sentence. Cases against Imam had provoked concerns among many intellectuals and artists about the future of art and free expression in Egypt.
Egypt calls on US to stand firm against the film’s producers
[EGYNews, Shorouk (Arabic), 9/12/2012] Dr. Hisham Qandil demanded Wednesday that the U.S. administration to take a firm stand against the producers of the film offending the Prophet (Muhammad) within the framework of international covenants which criminalizes acts that stir up disorder on the basis of race, color, or religion. The Salafis had earlier called on Morsi to condemn the film and work with the US administration to stop its distribution.
ECONOMY
British Gas to inject US$5 billion in investments
[Egypt Independent, 9/11/2012] Petroleum Minister Osama Kamal on Tuesday said British Gas is injecting US$3 billion to US$5 billion into development projects in Egypt, in addition to its current investments that amount to US$10 billion. This came after a meeting between Prime Minister Hesham Qandil and a delegation from the British company, which included the company’s chief executive in England Andrew Gould, CEO of the company in Egypt Sami Alexander, and the Minister of Petroleum.
Egypt likely needs over $10 billion in aid -senior EU official
[Reuters, 9/11/2012] Egypt is likely to need more than $10 billion in external financing to help it get its economy on track, a senior EU official said on Wednesday. The official said the European Union and several countries were considering financial support for Egypt in addition to a $4.8 billion loan which Cairo has requested from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The official declined to say how much the European Union might be prepared to contribute in assistance to Egypt.
SOCIETY & MEDIA
Thousands protest at US embassy
[Egypt Independent, Ahram Online, Ahram (Arabic), 9/11/2012] The number of protesters outside the US embassy in Cairo began to decrease Tuesday night after thousands had gathered earlier to protest a film they said was being produced in the United States that insults the Prophet Mohamed. Earlier, around 5,000 people chanted against the US and President Barack Obama, declaring that they are willing to give their lives to avenge the dignity of their prophet. At one point, the Egyptian Army intervened, surrounding the embassy grounds in an effort to control the situation.
Diaspora Copts not responsible for anti-Islam film
[Ahram Online, AP, 9/12/2012] An American-Israeli filmmaker went into hiding Tuesday after his film attacking Islam’s Prophet Muhammad sparked angry assaults by ultra-conservative Muslims on US diplomatic missions in Egypt and Libya, where the US ambassador and three embassy staff were reportedly killed. The film was initially believed to be produced by members of the Coptic Diaspora. Maurice Sadek and controversial Pastor Terry Jones are believed to have been promoting the film but were not involved in its production. Writer and director Sam Bacile remained defiant, saying Islam is a cancer and that he intended his film to be a provocative political statement.
REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
US embassy halts visa services in wake of protest
[Egypt Independent, 9/12/2012] The area outside the US Embassy in Cairo was calm on Wednesday following a night of protests by demonstrators enraged by an American film said to insult Prophet Mohamed. The embassy’s website announced late Tuesday that visa services had been suspended due to the instability and that delays were expected in the delivery of passports.
Egypt Trying To Persuade Iran To Drop Assad
[AP, 9/12/2012] Newly activist Egypt is trying to convince Iran to drop its unquestioned support of Syria’s embattled President Bashar Assad in order to end that country’s bloody civil war in exchange for help in easing Tehran’s regional isolation at a time of mounting pressure on it over its disputed nuclear program. The offer is the centerpiece of a diplomatic push by Egypt’s new Islamist president, who is hoping his "Islamic Quartet" – grouping Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, all supporters of the Syrian rebellion, with Syria’s top regional ally Iran – can succeed where other initiatives have failed.
Hamas PM to visit Cairo for security talks
[AFP/Ahram Online, 9/12/2012] "The prime minister will leave for Cairo on Thursday to meet with his Egyptian counterpart and hold talks on security and issues relating to the blockade," Hamas spokesman Taher al-Nunu said in a statement. Late last month, a Hamas delegation travelled to Cairo for a series of security talks which came several weeks after an August 5 attack in northern Sinai which killed 16 Egyptian border guards.
Photo Credit: AP
Image: US%20Embassy%20Sept%2011.jpg