State-owned newspaper Al-Ahram this morning leads with Egypt’s democratic change and its relations with the world being featured as part of President Mohamed Morsy’s speech at the United Nations. The government mouthpiece quotes Morsy, in his interview with The New York Times, as saying that the US needed to drastically change its approach to the Arab world.
Morsy left Egypt this morning heading to New York to take part in the 67th session of the UN General Assembly. Presidential spokesperson Yasser Ali said Morsy would discuss the changes the country underwent since 25 January and the democratic change it is experiencing now, in addition to the guidelines for rebuilding the second republic. Morsy will also discuss Egypt’s take on the situation in Syria and the peace operation in the Middle East.
Ali said Morsy would meet with more than 10 world leaders during his visit to New York to discuss means of cooperation between Egypt and other countries.
On a different note, Al-Ahram writes, “[National Democratic Party] remnants to run for parliamentary elections.” The Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the remnants of the fallen regime may run in the coming parliamentary elections, as well as other elections, as long as they meet the conditions for nomination; the court noted that no citizen should be denied the right to participate in politics.
Independent newspaper Al-Shorouk also shed light on the president’s interview with The New York Times, writing, “SCAF leaders did not decide to voluntarily leave power … I made that decision.” According to the newspaper, Morsy asked to meet with US President Barack Obama; however, the request wasn’t welcomed by the White House, and Morsy withdrew his request.
Morsy said the US should expect Egypt to live by its rules and added that the country is not hostile toward the West; however, it won’t be pliable toward it. Notably, following the US Embassy protests earlier this month, Obama had stated that Egypt is neither an ally nor an enemy. Answering a question about whether the US is an ally of Egypt, Morsy answered that it depends on the definition of the world “ally,” and added that he was under the impression that both countries were friends.
On a more pleasant note, Al-Shorouk writes, “President Morsy calls Heikal to congratulate him on his birthday.” Renowned writer Mohamed Hassanein Heikal received a phone call yesterday from Morsy congratulating him on his 89th birthday. According to the newspaper, Morsy sent flowers to the old writer’s office prior to the phone call.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s mouthpiece, Freedom and Justice newspaper, announces that the president is set to give a speech to the UN Wednesday. This is the first time in 23 years an Egyptian president will take part in the UN General Assembly, according to the paper. Morsy is expected to hold an interview with an American news channel, then will visit the Egyptian delegation in the UN, followed by a meeting with religious figures. The newspaper states that Morsy is scheduled to meet with his French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Freedom and Justice also writes that the Cabinet denies there will be any increase in fuel prices. Prime Minister Hesham Qandil denied any plan to shift fuel prices and added that news about the price increase is merely a rumor. Qandil called upon the citizens and the media to be more careful when discussing matters of such importance, in order to not negatively affect the economy.
Egypt’s papers:
Al-Ahram: Daily, state-run, largest distribution in Egypt
Al-Akhbar: Daily, state-run, second to Al-Ahram in institutional size
Al-Gomhurriya: Daily, state-run
Rose al-Youssef: Daily, state-run
Al-Dostour: Daily, privately owned
Al-Shorouk: Daily, privately owned
Al-Watan: Daily, privately owned
Al-Wafd: Daily, published by the liberal Wafd Party
Youm7: Daily, privately owned
Al-Tahrir: Daily, privately owned
Freedom and Justice: Daily, published by the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party
Sawt al-Umma: Weekly, privately owned
Al-Arabi: Weekly, published by the Nasserist Party
Al-Nour: Official paper of the Salafi Nour Party
