EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT URGES DIALOGUE WITH OPPOSITON
Cairo, 14 Sha’ban 1434/23 Juni 2013 (MINA) – Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has repeated a call for dialogue with the opposition in an attempt to mitigate deep political divisions ahead of planned rallies later this month calling for his resignation.
“I have said it before. I urge everyone to sit together to discuss what would achieve the interests of our nation,” Morsi said in an interview published in the state-owned Akhbar al-Youm newspaper, Saturday.
The interview comes a day after tens of thousands of Morsi supporters massed in Cairo in a show of strength ahead of opposition protests planned for June 30.
Since taking office a year ago, Morsi has squared off with the judiciary, media, police and most recently artists, the Independent Online quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.
There is much anticipation and anxiety ahead of the June 30 protests, with fears of violence and instability.
Morsi appeals for calm
But Morsi says there is still room to resolve differences off the streets.
He said he would consider bringing forward parliamentary elections, which are scheduled to take place later this year, although no date has yet been set.
“I will continue in my pursuit for contact, and I may speed up parliamentary elections as a way of involving everyone in an agreed method to manage our differences,” Morsi said.
“The call for protest on June 30 reflects the atmosphere of freedom granted to us by the revolution of 2011,” he said.
He appealed for calm and accused those who benefited from the regime of ousted president Hosni Mubarak of inciting instability.
“They want to bring back the past because the revolution harmed their interests. (People) must stop their evil plans because they do not want calm and stability for Egypt,” Morsi said.
A campaign dubbed Tamarod (rebellion in Arabic) called the June 30 rally to coincide with the first anniversary of Morsi becoming president.
Tamarod organisers said they have collected 15 million signatures demanding that Morsi quit, leaving the government jittery and energising the fragmented opposition. (T/P09/E1)
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
