The Muslim Brotherhood has released a statement on its meeting Egypt’s political opposition and Vice President Omar Suleiman that says the group will not “withdraw any of the people’s demands which are equivalent to the group’s demands and in the best interest of Egypt and its people.” According to the statement:
In a statement by the Muslim Brotherhood members who attended the meeting with Egypt’s political opposition and Vice President Omar Suleiman, the MB asserted they have not and will not withdraw any of the people’s demands which are equivalent to the group’s demands and in the best interest of Egypt and its people. The MB, who attended the meeting, including Dr Essam El Erian and Dr. Saad Ketatni highlighted that during the meeting the group did not highlight any requirements concerning the group alone, maintaining that the demands if met would affect all of Egypt. The Brotherhood began their conference with a minute to mourn the martyrs of Egypt fallen in the popular uprising, which began January 25th. According to the MB, however, the talks will only continue if the government makes progress on meeting both the MB and the opposition’s demands, which are mainly:
The immediate resignation of President Mubarak
Lifting Emergency Laws
Dissolving parliament
Releasing all political prisoners
Dr. Essam El Erian, media spokesman for the group, stated that the regime did not respond to most of our demands and only responded to some of the calls in what can be described as a superficial response. Dr. Mohammed Morsy, a member of the group’s Executive Bureau, described the meeting as the beginning of the launching of positive dialogue, however, he emphasized the significance of respecting the people’s legitimacy and full respect of the people’s will, in particular the youth remaining in Tahrir Square. He stressed that although dialogue is a positive first step, it must entail further steps if the system is to prove its sincerity in its intentions. Dr. Mohamed Saad Katatni, also from the Bureau, explained that we are facing a new situation, especially that the system has fallen with all its components, and the people are currently the source of authority, which includes people from all political factions, trends, sects and religions. Regarding the group’s decision to participate in the dialogue he explained that it was imperative the group take part in this historical and unprecedented move, asserting that the MB were part of the people; always have been and always will be. He added that the MB were attentive to the people’s demands and believed it was a duty to relay the people’s wishes and demands to the committee. The MB noted that any dialogue concerning the group’s own demands in forming a political party was not on the agenda during the talks, emphasizing that the MB concentrated on respecting the people’s demands for guarantees of freedom, dignity and democracy. El Erian concluded, however, that the group did not agree on the continuation of Mubarak in power till next September, asserting that the people’s demands included the immediate departure of Mubarak. [From Ikhwanweb :: The Muslim Brotherhood Official English Website]
It should be noted that the Muslim Brotherhood today has become a global network and that the Egyptian mother branch is not necessarily the most important part of the movement. Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi, close to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, is often referred to by the GMBDW as the most important leader of the global Muslim Brotherhood, an acknowledgement of his role as the de facto spiritual leader of the movement. In 2004, Qaradawi turned down the offer to lead the Egyptian Brotherhood after the death of the Supreme Guide.
To see all GMBDW coverage of developments, go here.
For GMBDW coverage on the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, go here.