EGYPT SALAFIST CALL WILL NOT JOIN 30 JUNE PROTESTS

       Cairo, 10 Sha’ban 1434/19 June 2013 (MINA) –  The largest Salafist movement in Egypt, Salafist Call, released a statement Tuesday (18/6) announcing that its members will not join the 30 June protests against President Mohamed Morsi.

       The movement clarified its members will not participate in any demonstrations that oppose the 30 June protests, warning that violent rhetoric and mobilization on both sides will divide the nation, Ahram reported as monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).

       The ultraconservative Islamist movement elaborated that the majority of the opposition does not oppose the use of Islam as a reference in governance, but rather they are against the president and the government’s policy.

       The Call stressed that it does not condone ‘takfeery speech,’ that is, speech which condemns opponents as ‘infidels,’ nor does not approve labeling opponents as ‘traitors.’ The group further warned that the 30 June protests would be used to stir violence.

         The Call stated that it recognised Morsi as an elected president who, according to the constitution, should remain in office for four years save extenuating circumstances “that currently do not apply.” Nevertheless, the Islamist movement stressed it opposed some of the policies of Morsi and his government.

        “We advise on matters, and we oppose what we do not see as right through national dialogue meetings and the Shura Council [upper house of parliament currently endowed with legislative power],” read the statement.  

        The Call also emphasised that the upcoming House of Representatives [lower house] election will bring a new Prime Minister who represents the majority and is endowed with constitutional powers separate from those of the president, creating a new legal avenue for opposition forces.

        The Call also denounced the opposition’s demand for a civilian presidential council to replace President Morsi, stressing that it opposed the seizure of power by “mobilising crowds.”

        Members of the Salafist Call met with members of the Muslim Brotherhood on Monday to discuss expectations regarding the 30 June demonstrations. During the meeting, the Nour Party, which is the political wing of the Salafist Call, proposed that the Brotherhood make concessions in order to ease tensions leading up to the demonstrations.

       The Nour Party called on the Brotherhood to take practical steps to quell tensions, including replacing the prosecutor-general (who is considered a Brotherhood loyalist by the opposition), forming a national unity government, and setting a date for the House of Representatives elections.

       At a meeting on Monday, the Nour Party, which has recently been critical of the Brotherhood’s management of state affairs, had assured the Brotherhood it would not take part in the planned protests.

       The anticipated 30 June protests were first announced by the minority of Rebel campaign, which was launched in May to collect 15 million signatures calling for Morsi’s removal and early presidential elections. (T/P03/E1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)