Muslim Brotherhood spokesperson Mahmoud Ghozlan denounced political forces who have asked presidential candidate Mohamed Morsy to make certain promises or sign statements in exchange for their support. Morsy, the head of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice party, will compete against former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq in the presidential runoff in mid-June. Speaking to the London-based Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Ghozlan described making demands of Morsy in exchange for support as “extortion.” “We offered the utmost we have,” Ghozlan said. He rejected signing any statements laying out conditions, adding that the pledges Morsy has made are enough. “There are odd demands that can't be fulfilled, like the condition that the Muslim Brotherhood be dissolved,” Ghozlan explained. But Ghozlan admitted that some have “expressed the need for assurances, to which Morsy responded. This is enough for a fair person, especially when we are in a battle against former regime remnants.” Ghozlan rejected Morsy's statements being called “mere promises,” adding that “these pledges were made before the whole nation, so it will be easy for people to object to Morsy if he does not follow through with them.” With regard to written pledges that various political forces have asked candidates to sign, Ghozlan said, “The documents are numerous, and I do not remember what is in them. Everyone comes up with a document and numerous demands. There is a lot of extortion. Everyone wants to be put in charge of a ministry, which all are not fit for, especially in this time.” Meanwhile, Abdel Halim Qandeel, a prominent political columnist, announced his unconditional support for Morsy in the runoffs. “I'll support Morsy in spite of the disagreements between me and Morsy and his group. I'm seeking the public interest, as Egypt is above all,” Qandeel said on his Facebook page. Qandeel slammed those who put conditions on their support of Morsy, saying they are only interested in their personal positions. He called on former presidential hopeful Hamdeen Sabbahi, “my dear friend,” to support Morsy in the runoff. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
