Islamist presidential candidate Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh talks at the American Chamber of Commerce about his support for Al-Wasat Party's draft law on remnants of the former regime and his concerns for the future in Egypt Islamist presidential candidate Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh, announced in a meeting at the American Chamber of Commerce Tuesday that he supports Al-Wasat Party's draft law aiming to ban remnants of the former regime from holding state positions for five years. "We all must unite to continue the revolution." he said. Regarding the Supreme Council of Armed Forces' (SCAF) status politically, Abul-Fotouh affirmed that the army is a tool of political leadership and must participate in political matters but without imposing its opinion. "The army comes after the country, not before it," Abul-Fotouh said. Abul-Fotouh explained that Egypt is a moderate country and that the best way to achieve reform is through dialogue, adding that Islam warns against terrorism of all forms. He also said that the US administration is currently changing its views on Arabs and Islam, especially with regard to respect for Islamic values. The former Brotherhood member also talked about how important it is to restore security, in order for investment and tourism to return to the country, explaining that the current security vacuum is fabricated, pointing out that the former regime is still active. Abul-Fotouh said that the Al-Azhar Document — which states that Egypt should be a modern, democratic, constitutional country, based on principles of equality and citizenship — was signed and accepted by different Egyptian political parties, liberal and conservative ones. He warned that Egyptians could stray in mixing politics with religion, adding that this does not mean that religion should be separated from the state in a secular sense. Abul-Fotouh said that his differences with the Muslim Brotherhood was focused on separating their political party from the Islamic call. A practicing physician with extensive experience in relief work on an international level, a prominent Islamist activist, and a former leading figure of the Muslim Brotherhood, Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh is also known for his liberal positions on social issues. Abul-Fotouh announced in June 2011 that he intended to run for the highest office in Egypt. Shortly after, he was expelled from the Brotherhood for violating a party decision. Presidential elections will take place on 23 and 24 May, and the president will be named on 21 June after a runoff voting round on 16 and 17 June. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/39064.aspx
