A political party that involving members of the Muslim Brotherhood will be formed at the appropriate time, said Mohamed Morsi, its official spokesperson, adding that the group will not have a candidate in the coming presidential election. Morsi said that the Brotherhood trusts that the Armed Forces endorses the revolution, will not monopolize power and is keen on amending the constitution. "We support the independence of Al-Azhar and call for the election of its grand sheikh," he added. Asked about how the Brotherhood will handle Copts if in power, Morsi said the Copts have the same rights and obligations as Muslims and Islam teaches its followers to love Christians and treat them justly. Regarding the coming parliamentary election, Morsi said it is still too early to make a decision on participation. Asked about the intervention of foreign powers in Egyptian affairs, he said "We do not receive orders from foreign powers, and we reject their interference in internal affairs. Iran's stance is dubious, but we agree with Hamas in terms of thought and vision, and differ with [Lebanon's] Nasrallah." Asked about Egypt's peace treaty with Israel, he answered, "We were opposed to the peace treaty from the outset. We are not against Jews, but rather Zionism, occupation, the stifling of Palestinians and their evacuation. We were against the treaty as a group, but when Egypt's parliament says its is committed to something, we have no have no choice then... we bow to the will of the people represented in the parliament." About women's rights, Morsi said that Egyptian women are in a better position than their Western counterparts, for they have a right to financial independence from their husbands. He also said that Egyptian women are hired in all kinds of jobs. Asked about Article 2 of the constitution--which states that Islamic Law is the main source of legislation--Morsi defended it, saying that Egypt is an Islamic country with a Muslim majority. Islamic Law does not discriminate against non-Muslims, he added, saying that this article will guarantee freedoms, devolution of power, justice and equality. Translated from the Arabci Edition.
