The presidency released a statement on Tuesday regarding the dismissal of presidential advisor Khaled Alam Eddin. Presidential spokesperson Yasser Ali confirmed that the president had sacked Alam Eddin last Sunday. “The dismissal of advisors is a decision taken by the institution of the presidency at its discretion in national interest and is not directly linked to any investigations or charges," said the statement. Ali stated that Alam Eddin was dismissed based on “available information" showing that it was "impossible" for the Al-Nour Party member to continue in his role as an advisor. The statement also attempted to address claims that the sacking was politically motivated and directly related to Alam Eddin's membership in the Al-Nour Party, which has raised various issues of contention with President Mohamed Morsi and Prime Minister Hesham Qandil. “The presidency of the republic emphasises that the decision to dismiss [Alam Eddin] is with regards to his person, and is not related to his party affiliation. “The institution of the presidency emphasises respect and appreciation for all parties and their own roles in enriching the Egyptian political life and the heart of Al-Nour Party, which represents a national faction with an active political presence." Alam Eddin spoke with Ali on Al-Hayat 2 TV channel on Monday night. Ali confirmed that the presidency had dismissed Alam Eddin and said he was not aware of any investigation that took place. The former advisor for environmental affairs stated that he should not have been sacked without an investigation specifically examining the allegations that he faced. Morsi's other presidential advisor from the Al-Nour Party, advisor for political affairs Bessam Al-Zarqa, resigned on Monday in an expression of disapproval of and solidarity with Alam Eddin's departure. The Al-Nour Party has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Qandil and his cabinet, the legal appointment of a new prosecutor general, and the creation of a committee to supervise the amending of the newly passed constitution. The Salafi party officially met with the National Salvation Front twice to discuss common demands which were later presented to Morsi last week.
