In a televised interview with Sherif Amer Sunday night, Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawi discussed the rationale for and consequences of the Cabinet's Wednesday decision to label the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation. El-Beblawi described the Mansoura bombings as a "major evil act", and denied that there was any opposition within the cabinet regarding the decision. "On the contrary, all the attendees of the cabinet meeting condemned the criminal act and agreed that an adequate response needed to take place," said El-Beblawi. The prime minister added that the decision was based on a court order in response to attacks claimed to be committed by the Brotherhood. "The Brotherhood has been committing terrorist acts and it is time to give things its proper naming," said El-Beblawi. El-Beblawi backed the security measures of the Ministry of Interior and fended off criticisms, remarking that it is impossible to have a country with "zero accidents" especially with the staggering amount of crimes. Last Monday an explosion took place at the Daqahleya Governorate security directorate in Mansoura, killing at least 15 people and injuring over 100. Jihadist organisation Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis claimed responsibility for the bombing but police investigations have not been announced up to this date. El-Beblawi stressed that the "viciousness of the Brotherhood" is increasing because they are in ever urgent circumstances, and that its actions would only lead to the loss of their most important asset–popular support. In regards of the US Department of State's reaction to the cabinet's decision, El-Beblawi said, "The United States of America's vision has been skewed by what happened on 30 June and I believe [the Department of State] is gradually reconsidering its stance." As for the confiscation of the assets of the Brotherhood, El-Beblawi assured that the decision will be reasonable when applied and should not affect the national economy, nor the social life of "the innocents". El-Beblawi clearly stated that the vision of his government is protecting citizens' security along with national security, adding that there will be no change of strategies unless the government is convinced that they are wrong. The prime minister expressed his hope and prediction that the Egyptian people who participated in the 30 June demonstrations would vote on January's referendum to determine the future of Egypt.
