Deputy Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood Khairat al-Shater denied that he interferes in the management of state affairs.
In statements he gave at the Cairo International Airport before departing to Qatar on his way to Malaysia, Shater said, “Egypt is an institution-based, long-standing state with a great civilisation. I have no capacity to interfere in state affairs. All that is said in this regard are rumors that I have no time to deny.”
“I want to give a chance to the youth and I want leadership positions to held by those aged between 40 and 50.”
Shater was the Muslim Brotherhood’s original candidate in the presidential election but the High Elections Commission disqualified him because he was jailed under the rule of former President Hosni Mubarak. The Brotherhood fielded Mohamed Morsy as a reserve candidate.
Several Brotherhood opponents say Shater has influence over Morsy and has considerable clout within the group.
Shater denied that he had made a deal with the former first lady to release Mubarak and his two sons in exchange for the restoration of funds they smuggled out of the country. He added, however, that he would have no objection to the idea if it were put to a popular referendum.
“I don’t have the capacity to make deals, but I believe it is in the interest of people to get their money back by any means.”
Asked if he plans to run in the coming election, he said, “I affirm that I will not run in any presidential election or seek any leadership position in the state because I’m turning 64 this year and I want rest even from my private business.”
“I believe that it is necessary that leadership positions be restricted to the youth because responsibility requires mental and physical preparedness,” he added.
Edited translation from DPA
