CAIRO: A former top official with Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh said in comments published by the country's MENA news agency that the Islamic group should stay out of politics. “It is better for the Muslim Brotherhood to stay away from the partisan and political activities” in Egypt, he said. In his comments he said that the Brotherhood should not become involved in the day-to-day activities of the country's political sphere, adding the group should focus on grassroots efforts. He argued that there is “only one commitment by all potential candidates to keep their meetings secret,” adding that newly reactivated emergency laws are “against freedom and investments.” Aboul Fotouh was a leading member of the Brotherood for more than two decades and was a vocal figure calling for reform and progressive measures from inside. He was kicked out of the group after he announced his candidacy for the presidency of Egypt. He avoided talking specifically on Egypt's relationship with Israel and the Camp David Treaty, saying that as a candidate his aim “is to bring Egypt to becoming a stronger state.” He added that Egypt's relations with Israel “needs to be reconsidered according to Egypt's interest, by informing citizens about all related issues.” He said “citizens suffer from the absence of transparency about political situations and the transitional period in Egypt, because they don't know when exactly situations will settle down.” He commented on the issue of imposing the veil, which was announced by another candidate and Islamic preacher, Hazim Salah Abu Ismail, and said those statements are “irrational because forcing people to follow religious values means people will become hypocrites.” BM
