Interim President ‘Adly Mansour: The E.U., U.S. Are Beginning to Understand What Happened in Egypt

On internal matters, Mansour expressed his commitment to establishing a democratic constitution that would guarantee the separation of powers and freedom for all citizens, and stressed the importance of promoting social justice and improving the economic situation of the Egyptian people, while noting that no economic breakthroughs could be made without achieving full security in all parts of the country.

About the Muslim Brotherhood, he said that it had hijacked the January 25 revolution, and that its regime fell mainly because of its deliberate exclusion of broad sections of Egyptian society. He noted that this movement has admitted its mistakes, but stressed that apologies are not enough;[1] they must be accompanied by tangible changes on the ground. At the same time, he promised that his administration is committed to extending a hand to all Egyptian political parties, regardless of their affiliation, as long as they are non-violent and their hands are not stained with blood.


Mansour stressed that this principle of inclusion also applies to Egypt’s Christians. He promised that the new Egypt would be based on citizenship for all, including the Copts, who already enjoy rights and duties equal to those of the Muslims and full freedom of belief. He admitted that Egypt occasionally sees tensions on a religious basis, but declared that it can solve its own problems without foreign intervention.

Turning to foreign policy, he stated that some European countries do not understand the significance of the Egyptian revolution, and rebuked the E.U. for not delivering all the aid it has promised to Egypt. He also stressed that the Egyptian people would not accept aid that comes with conditions, but would reject such aid, as they did recently with a Qatari loan that was returned to Doha. In this context, he thanked Saudi Arabia for promising to compensate Egypt for any aid promised but not received. As for Egypt’s relations with the U.S., he said that this country now understands the situation in Egypt better, as reflected on Obama’s recent speech at the U.N. General Assembly. He also stressed that U.S. institutions differ in their attitude towards Egypt, and that some of them understand that what happened in Egypt is a true popular revolution. It should be mentioned that the interview was given prior to the recent U.S. decision to cut military and economic aid to Egypt.

Turning to the topic of regional countries, he stressed that Egypt’s interests and the interests of the Gulf are identical, and that the security of the Gulf is Egypt’s security. He stated further that the Gulf states are helping Egypt to clarify to the West its official position on what has happened in the country – namely, that the deposing of the MB regime was not a military coup but a response to the demand of the people, and that the MB sit-ins (in Raba’a Al-Adawiya and Al-Nahda squares) had not been peaceful but rather armed – for there are many in Europe and America who fail to understand this.

About Syria, Mansour stated that Egypt condemns the use of chemical weapons by any party, but continues to support a political solution to the crisis and to oppose international military intervention. As for Iran, he said that it is too early to predict the evolution of Iran-Egypt relations based only on the arrival of a new Iranian president, especially since, in Iran, the president is not the main figure when it comes to key decisions and positions. He also emphasized that Egypt values actual policies more than mere statements. Iran needs to take positions that are considerate of Egypt and Arab national security, he said.

Asked about Egypt’s relations with Hamas, Mansour expressed Egypt’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, but stressed that Egypt’s national security comes before anything else. “If it is compromised, the reactions will be very fierce and very harsh,” he said. He also expressed Egypt’s commitment to the peace agreement with Israel.

Addressing the issue of Turkey, Mansour stated that there is need to distinguish between the position of the Turkish people and those of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, who “had hoped to sustain the former regime.” He said that Egypt had exercised great restraint in the face of this interference in its internal affairs, and emphasized that the Egyptian ambassador would not return to Ankara “until the Turkish government returns to a level of responsibility consistent with to the historically strong relationship between the two countries.”

The original interview, in Arabic, was published in Al-Sharq Al-Awsat in two parts, on October 6-7, 2013, and an English translation of excerpts from the interview was published on the paper’s English edition on October 7 and 9, 2013. The following are excerpts from the paper’s English translation. A few segments of the interview that were not translated by Al-Sharq Al-Awsat are presented here in MEMRI’s translation.   

Most Of The Sums Pledged To Us “Were No More Than Promises”; “The Egyptian People Will Not Accept Conditions On Aid Packages “

“Q:…What do you think about the future of peace in the region?”

“…[Egypt] signed a peace agreement and it will respect this agreement. We have no intention of deviating from the provisions of this agreement.”

“Q: A few days ago you welcomed the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, [Catherine] Ashton. What was discussed in your talks with her?”

“During my meeting with her, Mrs. Ashton confirmed the EU’s support for the Egyptian people’s roadmap and commended the effort that the Committee of Fifty is undertaking to move toward adopting a constitution that represents all Egyptians. Likewise, she commended the efforts of the current administration to communicate with all parties in the Egyptian political arena, while emphasizing our mutual opinion that anyone who wants to participate in this process must do so positively. Everyone realizes the importance of moving forward with the roadmap, and that there is no going back.

“She confirmed that Egypt’s acceptance of economic aid at this stage is in its best interests, and she put pressure on European financial organizations, especially the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development…

“She said that she would talk to the EU and describe the current situation to them, which many did not understand because they were only watching the events unfold on television…

“Q: What is your position on European development aid?’

“Development is one aspect of bilateral relations between countries, irrespective of a number of other facets. No relationship between two countries, or between a country and a geographic bloc, exists that can be limited to the value of aid alone. Egypt and the EU are connected by important historical, political, economic and cultural relationships. Egypt was one among the first countries to contribute to the building of the Euro–Mediterranean partnership.

“The EU announced a new aid deal for Egypt last November during a meeting of the Egyptian—European Joint Working Group, valued at EUR 5 billion, although the media has distorted this. That figure was reached by combining a group of other figures, including aid that Egypt had already received, although this was only a tiny fraction. The majority of the other figures were no more than promises, or loans that Egypt did not obtain. When you speak with European representatives on this, they point to the economic crisis that is sweeping through their countries and to the Euro crisis. They speak at length about the austerity measures that they are implementing in their countries.

“Despite our mutual understanding of the different dimensions of the economic crisis affecting the EU, we hope, at the same time, that the EU directs more aid in support of the Egyptian revolution. At least in a manner that is consistent with media rhetoric. The solution resides, in my estimation, in building enough political will.

Unfortunately, there are still some European countries that do not understand the significance of the Egyptian revolution, and that it symbolizes dignity and equality in the relations between Egypt and the rest of the world. We are still receiving information that some European capitals are attempting to impose what is called ‘conditionality’ on aid to Egypt, but as I mentioned, it is not a significant sum.

“The Egyptian people will not accept, under any circumstance, conditions on aid packages. This aid recognizes the shared interests between Egypt and the donor country. We will not hesitate to reject any aid that we feel is tied to any type of conditionality, as we did recently with the Qatari loan that we returned to Doha.”

“Q: How do you view this European conditionality?”

“As I clarified previously, Egyptians will not accept anything that interferes with their sovereignty, and they will not accept any encroachment upon their internal affairs. If we feel any suspicion, our response will be immediate, as happened with our decision to reject the Qatari loan. We welcome anyone who wants to support Egypt according to the vision and strategy of the Egyptian government. But, we will officially reject anyone who wants to draw a determined path in exchange for an aid package. We stand firm against Western attempts to this end. Allow me at this point to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular for the unequivocal statement from its foreign minister that Saudi Arabia will compensate any aid to Egypt that is not fulfilled.

“We are certain that those within the European countries that understand the precise nature of Egypt’s current situation and the changes embodied in it will have the final say in determining the final European position. In my consecutive meetings with European representatives during this period, I uncovered the EU’s increasing realization of the reality of the situation in Egypt. From a wider perspective, I believe that the West is on its path to understanding the facts correctly and is beginning to realize that threats to cut off aid will not affect the Egyptian decision-making, but would only put more distance between the Egyptian people and this aid.”

The Egyptians “Rose Up In January 2011 And Again In June 2013, When They Felt That Their Dreams Had Been Stolen And That They Had Been Misled”

“Q: Your administration is committed to supervising the implementation of the roadmap. Do you think that it is moving forward in pace with the set timetable?”

“Egypt is going through a seminal stage. We are establishing a democratic constitution that guarantees the complete separation of powers, guarantees freedom for citizens, and fulfills the aspirations of the Egyptian people. They rose up in January 2011 and again in June 2013, when they felt that their dreams had been stolen and that they had been misled. The new Egyptian constitution aims to establish rights for every citizen, which includes economic rights.

“The Egyptian revolution had a clear motto: ‘Bread, Freedom, and Social Justice.’ Our current efforts are being guided by these three principles. We are advancing towards freedom by establishing a new constitutional system that guarantees that the nascent democracy will not be hijacked once again and transformed into a tool used to serve the interests of a small group within Egyptian society. Additionally, we are advancing our economic standing by exerting all possible efforts to reboot the country’s productivity, create new employment opportunities, and respond to the needs of citizens for education, shelter, and so on. The investment plans that the government has recently sanctioned are all steps in this direction. We are also moving in the direction of social justice. For example, we recently decided on a minimum wage for the public sector.

“We are not interested in making political gains at the cost of economic or social ones. But, naturally, at times we find ourselves in need of addressing an issue before another. Even a third issue, such as security, can suddenly take precedence. As you know, any economic progress hinges on establishing security. Without it, investments and tourism will not return to the necessary levels.

“As to whether I think that the roadmap is proceeding with the requisite speed to ensure execution within the set timeline, as you know, all of the roadmap’s plans have been implemented in accordance with the schedule. I am confident that all future plans will be implemented on schedule, despite the doubts of many that there will not be enough time to accomplish all that we have set before us.”

“An Important Factor In The Fall Of The Former Regime Was The Deliberate Exclusion Of A Broad Cross-Section Of The Egyptian Community”

“Q: The roadmap states that no side would be excluded as long as it does not engage in violence, but with the Brotherhood, it seems a popular resentment has developed against them. In your opinion, how will this issue evolve in the future? Do you see any indications from the Brotherhood that they are preparing to participate in political life in accordance with the new rules? Have you come under any pressure in this regard?”

“Since the June 30 revolution, the Brotherhood has sought support from abroad. This approach was comprehensively rejected by the people and the state. Whenever we observe any attempt to bolster their strength, we react immediately. I think that they have received the message, and so have the other parties which had been receptive to their calls and actions at first.

“An important factor in the fall of the former regime was the deliberate exclusion of a broad cross-section of the Egyptian community. It relied on the so-called ‘family and clan’ while fully ignoring any demands from outside this in-group. That was why, upon taking office, I was committed to extending a hand to all political parties, whatever their affiliations or beliefs, as long as their hands were not stained with blood and they were committed to non-violence. For example, we offered to consult with all parties over selecting a prime minister and cabinet. We sent letters to all political parties and movements to present their nominees in the Committee of Fifty, which has been entrusted with drafting the constitutional amendments. However, the Brotherhood chose not to participate in the construction of Egypt’s future, preferring instead to continue its sit-ins, violence, threats to burn the country, and surreptitious efforts to appeal abroad to the detriment of their country.

“I believe the Brotherhood has begun to reconsider its approach. That is clear from its apologies to the Egyptian people over their past mismanagement of the country. But these apologies alone are not enough. And I say so not as an expression of my personal opinion, but rather as an expression of the view of the Egyptian people. It is also important that these apologies be accompanied by tangible changes on the ground. It makes no sense for them to continue instigating and carrying out clashes with the army and the police and then claim that they have formally apologized. The Brotherhood must understand and clearly state that it is part of this country, and not vice versa.

“Egypt is confidently continuing along the straight and narrow path of implementing of the political map for the future. We are working hard towards building a state based on institutions and to lay the foundations of a sound, free, democratic Egypt. However, we are committed to incorporating all of the national community in the political process, and cannot afford to waste more time. Egypt will rise again, regardless of what one component of its population thinks or does. Whosoever wants to build with us is welcome, as long as they are committed to the rules of democracy and non-violence. As for those reluctant to do so, who hold that powers abroad or violence will strengthen their position, that is their choice alone, and they will have to answer to the law.

“As for the talk about pressures being placed on the Office of the President, these threats are empty and are disregarded. Those responsible have realized that pressuring Egypt will not achieve their goals, and will only turn its people against them.”

“Q: Do you think the roadmap for the future will create a parliament that is more representative of the Egyptian people?…”

“I am positive that the Egyptian parliament will be more reflective of the Egyptian people in the future. This does not mean that the previous parliamentary elections in Egypt were undemocratic. They were free and fair elections that took place under full judicial supervision. The Egyptian people have now experienced democracy for 30 months, and realize that many slogans were empty rhetoric which concealed ulterior motives. Egyptians have benefited from the bitter experiences of the past year. I am confident that the next parliamentary elections will produce a parliament which represents the true Egyptian people in all of its tolerance and moderation…

In Egypt All Religions “Are On Equal Footing With Respect To Rights… No Other Approach Will Be Tolerated”

“Q: How do you view the Coptic Christian situation and the attacks on their churches?”

“The Copts of Egypt, like its Muslims, are afforded all the rights and duties of any citizen. The new Egyptian state we are building is based on the concept of citizenship for all. The Egyptian state is committed to protecting the rights of all its citizens, and never basing its interactions with them on religious pretense. Freedom of belief is guaranteed for all. State institutions and agencies have no right to come between a citizen and his religion. The only exception is with respect to laws relating to personal status, which take into account the application of special legislation for Christians and Muslims in accordance with their religion.

“The Egyptian people often speak of religious minorities, but these are minorities in size only, for they are on equal footing with respect to rights. Majority or minority, religions are treated with equal respect, and in Egypt no other approach will be tolerated. You can visit Coptic churches or churches of other branches of Christianity, and they will tell you the same thing.

“However, Heliopolis refuses to bury its head in the sand or to make the situation out to be something it’s not. What I mean is that Egyptian society occasionally witnesses tensions that may take on religious or sectarian dimensions. The best way to combat this, in my opinion, is by enforcing the law and ensuring the sovereignty of the state in imposing the rule of law across the board. We, for example, are aware of Western pleas to this end, though these are often based on false information. There is a paradox here: Where was the West when the churches burned in Egypt in recent days? Why was it silent? The answer, in my opinion, is that some preferred to turn a blind eye because the events did not suit them. This causes me to infer that these claims by the West are void of substance. The West ought to take a rest in this regard. Egypt will solve its own problems.

“The Muslim Brotherhood and other radical groups have targeted Copts and their property. And I, like all Egyptians, greatly appreciate the noble stance taken by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. He stressed that freedom does not come cheap, and if the burning of churches is a part of that price, then the Copts of Egypt will take on this loss for the sake of the country with patience and with love.”

Some In The U.S. Establishment Realize That “What Happened In Egypt Was A True Popular Revolution”; Hamas Will Not Be Allowed To Jeopardize Egypt’s Security      

“Q: What about your relations with the U.S., that are suffering to some extent?”

“The position of the U.S. on the events in Egypt was reserved from the beginning, and was [motivated by] specific considerations. I do not wish to elaborate on this, but now I think that the U.S. has a better understanding of what has happened in Egypt, as reflected in [President] Obama’s latest speech. I can also say that the U.S. state institutions are not uniform [in their position.] Some do believe that what happened in Egypt was a true popular revolution…”     

“Q: Hamas is close to the Muslim Brotherhood, and today there are allegations that it has a hand in what is happening in Sinai. What is your view of its future relations with Egypt?”

“Egypt has done a lot, and will continue to do a lot, for the sake of the Palestinian cause, which is close to the hearts of all Egyptians. But if you are speaking of Egypt’s national security, then it comes before anything else. If it is compromised, the reaction will be very fierce and very harsh.”

“A question regarding the constitution…: In the Arab world [today] there is a struggle between several streams, and perhaps the most conspicuous struggle is the one between Political Islam, which comes in a religious guise, and the civil streams… What should be the relationship [between religion and politics], especially at a stage when Egypt is transitioning towards democracy? And what is the optimal way for countries to dealing with the issue of religion and its relationship with politics?”

“My personal opinion [on this], not as president but as a citizen, is that religion is sacred. Religion regulates the relationship between an individual and his God, while politics has its own players and its own rules. I consider it unacceptable that the sacred should stoop to dealing in politics… Does Islam dictate which [economic] system to adopt, among the [existing] economic approaches? [Does it tell me whether to adopt] the capitalist or the socialist system? No. Islam tells me not to oppress the citizenry. It tells me to establish a society [based on] peace and justice… Islam is more lofty and beautiful than the image it has received. Has Islam ever called to terrorize people? Does it tell me to travel to another country in order to kill and destroy [there]? What sort of Islam is that?…”

“Saudi Arabia [Is] Much Appreciated [For Its] Support For Egypt At This Delicate Phase”

“Q: Many Western analyses criticize the June 30 revolution, as well as Saudi Arabia’s position regarding it. Some even go so far as to say that Riyadh fears the success of democracy in Egypt. What are your comments upon that?

“I am generally well-informed of the various Western analyses of what is going on in Egypt, as well as the various interactions between countries in the region. Perhaps you share with me the view that the Western world needs to correct its understanding of the developments that the region is witnessing. The West must not remain captive to the incorrect perspectives that some regional powers attempt to convince them of. Time has proven that those views are erroneous and have nothing to do with reality.

“In this sense, the article that you mentioned, and many other articles, reflect, in my view, a misunderstanding of what is going on in the region. The democracy train in Egypt has left the station, and no group can stop it, no matter whom they may be. I’d like to emphasize that this train has embarked with total Saudi support, along with the support of a number of our Arab brothers.

“The June 30 revolution, which enjoyed total support from Saudi Arabia, started off essentially to rectify the path of the January 25 revolution, which had been hijacked by the Muslim Brotherhood. So how, then, can one look upon Saudi Arabia’s much appreciated support for Egypt at this delicate phase in our modern history as if it were an attempt to suppress democracy? That is faulty logic, and it ignores the common interests that bind Egypt and Saudi Arabia.”

“Q: Mr. President, in light of Egypt and the Gulf’s similar, and at times perhaps even identical, interests, what is your evaluation of Egyptian-Gulf relations?”

“Egypt’s interests are largely identical to those of the Gulf countries. As I previously mentioned, the security of the Gulf is an indispensable part of Egyptian national security. There is no doubt that friendship is tested in times of adversity, and the economic adversity Egypt is facing is no secret.

“In addition, Egypt faces international political criticism due to our success in cutting short the schemes that some regional and international powers were aiming to implement through Brotherhood’s regime, to the detriment of Arab and Palestinian rights. The June 30 revolution nipped those plans in the bud, and in the coming days we will see more of this. Given all this, Gulf support for us in both political and economic affairs is widely appreciated by Egyptians, and it will hasten the return of Egypt to its traditional status in the Arab world.

“We count on Gulf support, just as I trust that the Gulf counts on Egypt’s active and effective role on a regional and international level, a role that was damaged during the period of Brotherhood rule. Indeed, Egypt knows the value of its Arab identity, and that of the Arab homeland that we sacrificed life and blood to found, care for, and defend. The Arabs also know the value of Egypt, even if some Arab leaders have strayed and acted in ways contrary to Arab interests. Eventually, our people and history guarantee the rectification of such aberrations.”

“Q: Regarding the aid to Egypt that several Gulf states announced, has it begun to have an effect? What does Egypt still need in order to improve its economic position?”

“This aid from Arab states, in particular Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, has had a powerful supportive effect on the Egyptian economy, which is, as you know, is passing through an unstable period because Egypt has been in a state of revolution for three years.

“The country’s problems have practically surpassed all limits. This emergency aid came so that we could improve the Egyptian economy, even if just a little bit, such that the normal citizen feels that things have begun to move in the right direction. But this still requires more support, and we must create a multifaceted economic plan so as to move the Egyptian economy forward. We do not wish to remain dependent on Arab aid, or foreign aid generally…”

“The Revolution Of June 30 Merits Being Studied In The History Of Mankind’s Revolutions, Not Being Treated As It Has By Some Western Nations”

“Q: To what extent are Egypt and the Gulf states cooperating in Cairo’s efforts to overcome the current crisis with the West?

“It cannot be said that there is a ‘crisis’ between Egypt and the United States or the European Union. Essentially, the matter is concerned with the affront caused by certain American and European parties’ understanding of Egypt’s affairs. So, as I explained in my response to the previous question, the European states are not of one voice on the various aspects of the Egyptian crisis. There are some countries that comprehend it well, and there are other countries on their way to doing so. For example, the messages sent to us from the United States are not fully consistent. Just several days ago, I hosted a delegation of representatives from the US Congress, among them the head of a subcommittee of the foreign affairs committee, and they expressed their understanding of and full support for what the authorities in Egypt are doing to restore the path of democracy and to combat terrorism and extremism.

“We cooperate here in Egypt with our brothers in the Gulf to speak to Western media and clarify matters for decision makers there. The issue is quite simply that the West must be objective and cease the obfuscation and willful ignorance of reality that some of its leaders of have engaged in. The revolution of June 30 merits being studied in the history of mankind’s revolutions, not being treated as it has by some Western nations. Some in those countries even described what happened on July 3 as a coup. The Military Council ruled Egypt for a year and a half and no one ever saw that as a coup, yet they now view the July 3 statement of the national forces as a military coup.

“The June 30 revolution is the first revolution in human history based upon signatures of more than 22 million citizens demanding the removal of the president, and the first revolution that more than 30 million individuals participated in. And they didn’t merely demonstrate for a day or two, rather they continued protesting from June 30, or even before, until July 3 when the armed forces responded to the demands of the people. It was also the first revolution in human history accused of fighting sit-ins said to be peaceful, while in reality they were armed. At these sit-ins there was public incitement to violence. There were threats to burn the country and even those at worship. Women and children were used as human shields to surround those who carried weapons. All of these facts are missing from the Western understanding of the situation, and these facts are what Egypt and the Gulf states are explaining and clarifying to the Western world.”

The Best Way To Solve The [Syrian] Predicament Is Politically Rather Than Militarily

“Q: The Syria case is one of the few issues on which Egypt and Saudi Arabia do not agree. How do you explain this difference in opinions?”

“Egypt is a sovereign nation and its political decisions are completely independent, so bear in mind that Egypt considers its own interests first and foremost. Of course, we consult with our friends and allies in the region, we listen to their opinions and they listen to ours.

“If we notice a difference in opinion, we try to convince them to change their minds while they do the same to us. In the end, if our conversation falls apart, we agree to disagree, isn’t this the way friends behave? However, each party in the end makes a final decision based on a set of national and international considerations in order to achieve its national interests.

“Regarding the Syrian developments in general, we consider several factors from the prospective of long-term Egyptian and Arab interests. The Syrian people demand democracy and that is a legitimate demand. However, it is important not to hide behind a righteous demand. While the Arab people have suffered from mistakes committed by their leaders, they also suffered from international interventions based on fabricated justifications. The media and the whole world quickly uncovered these alleged justifications. Last but not least, the question that presents itself when evaluating any of the proposed next steps is: “what’s next?” We should be very careful about proposing steps based on current events, only to find ourselves in a more difficult position than we were before.

“The Syria crisis is extremely complex, and the international community is generally divided as to the best manner in which to deal with the issue. Egypt’s position on the Syria crisis is that the best way to solve the predicament is politically rather than militarily. Hence our support for the Geneva Protocol. With regard to chemical weapons, Egypt condemns their use by any party. We hope that the latest agreement wherein Syria hands over its chemical weapons is executed, thereby ending the need for a military strike against Syria outside the framework of international legitimacy. The Syrian crisis has claimed many Syrian lives, and we do not think that a military strike from a third party—which would certainly claim lives—is something that would contribute to achieving the aspirations of the Syrian people.

“This Egyptian position basically aspires to save the lives of the Syrian citizens and achieve regional security and stability, so as to realize the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for a pluralistic democratic state that will allow all Syrians to take part in building their shared future.

“Let me take this opportunity to praise the efforts that Russia has invested in this issue. In this context, let me also call for disarming the Middle East of all weapons of mass destruction, for this [measure] should not be confined to Syria.”

“We Will Wait Until [Iran’s] Positive-Sounding Statements Are Accompanied By Real Positive Moves On The Ground”

“Q: Did Egypt change its opinion of Iran after Rouhani won the presidential elections?”

“Egyptian foreign policy positions are not tied to one person, rather they are tied to interests and approaches adopted by different counties. Therefore I think that it is too early to judge the evolution of Egyptian-Iranian relations based only on the arrival of a new president in Iran. This is especially true in light of what is known about the Iranian political system, especially the fact that the president is not the main figure when it comes to key decisions and political positions.

“Similarly we do not judge states based on perspectives offered in statements. Statements in foreign policy are an important matter, but what is truly important is to interpret these statements while keeping actual policies in mind. There are a number of issues on which Iran should take specific positions that are considerate of Egyptian and Arab national security. This is something it has not done. Therefore we will wait until these positive-sounding statements are accompanied by real positive moves on the ground.

“We closely monitor the Iranian attitudes toward Egypt and we also monitor the positions of the international and regional parties who are against Iran. We have been monitoring positive signs coming from the new Iranian leadership towards the Gulf states. We in Egypt are open to everyone who respects the will of the Egyptian people, and are willing to engage in a dialogue with Iran and with others, as long as they respect the will of the Egyptian people. Intentions to fix what has damaged the historical relations between the Egyptian and Iranian peoples are clearly present. Of course this dialogue, if there is any, will be honest and objective. The talks will be disconnected from the emotions of the former regime. Egyptian interests and the interests of the Gulf will lead the way. Any future Egyptian-Iranian cooperation, if there is any, will be supportive of the Gulf Arab interests.”

We Hope Turkey “Will Come To Stand With The Egyptians As A Community Rather Than With The Narrow Interests Of Factions”

“Q: What do you think of Qatar’s and Turkey’s positions on Egypt and the revolution of June 30th?”

“It is up to the Qatari and Turkish leaders to explain the positions that they have adopted. This explanation, I believe, should be presented to the Egyptian people, the Turkish people, and the Qatari people before it is presented to the rest of the world.

“We have received, for example, requests from a number of Turkish political parties—some from a grassroots level and others are from the official party level—to distinguish between the positions of the Turkish people and the positions adopted by the current prime minister, who had hoped to sustain the former regime. In regards to Qatar, we are following their positions after what happened with the change in leadership. It is not yet clear to us whether this change will affect Egyptian-Qatari relations and lead us out of this negative phase.

“We have exercised a great deal of restraint in the face of interference in our domestic affairs. Egypt is able to respond to abuse by some of the people’s representatives, but it believes that the relationship between peoples must remain strong. We are fully aware of the motives of those abroad who are against us. They were taken into account in the framework of our strategic review of our foreign relations. We hope to continue reviewing the position of each party that has made mistakes, and that they will come to stand with the Egyptians as a community rather than with the narrow interests of factions. In politics, the people and the interests of everyone prevail rather than individual parties.

“Personally, I hope that the intentions of countries that have opposed the will of the Egyptian people are scrutinized in the near future. The longer countries are stubborn regarding the will of the Egyptian people, the higher the cost of correcting that mistake. It is something that I think Turkey understands based on the changing tones of their statements, as well as the return of the Turkish ambassador to Cairo. Our ambassador will not return to Ankara, however, until the Turkish government returns to a level of responsibility consistent with to the historically strong relationship between the two countries.

“Here I would like to make it clear that bullying by some foreign parties will result in more than just rejection. In this community, rejection will not only mean problems abroad, but also domestically. The coming days will show that the people will correct the mistakes of their leaders, just as the great Egyptian people corrected the mistakes of their former leaders.

[1] See MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 5465, “Self-Criticism By MB, Egyptian Secularists Following Mursi’s Ouster: We Erred, Must Apologize To Egyptian People,” October 2, 2013.

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http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/7480.htm