CAIRO – The beleaguered Ministry of Interior has decided to try and effect a rapprochement with the public. The police's fresh attempt, made days after the tragic incidents in Cairo's Al Tahrir Square last week, was disclosed during a meeting between Prime Minister Essam Sharaf and Minister of Interior Mansour Essawi. General Essawi has pledged to resume constructive contacts with different strata of society to help citizens better understand the police's indispensable role in maintaining safety, stability and security. According to Essawi, the public will be given a greater role in confronting outlaws and thugs, controlled by bigger thugs and bent on circulating malicious rumours, which could cause more tragic unrest in the country. “The police are determined to improve dialogue with all political movements, boosting mutual confidence and encouraging them to promote national interests and stability,” he declared after emerging from the meeting with the Premier. The security authorities have smelled a conspiracy behind efforts being made by certain elements to thwart the goals of the young revolutionaries. The unhappy relationship between police and citizens became even more tragic during and after the recent revolution, when riot police used excessive force to quell mass demonstrations, calling for expediting the trials for Mubarak and his cronies. At least 846 Egyptians were killed during an 18-day revolt against Mubarak. Much damage has been done to the image of the police by claims that they remain suspiciously reluctant to listen to the appeals from citizens nationwide to end the state of lawlessness, which is badly affecting people's lives and the economy. The economic situation in Egypt has declined precariously, because tourism, industry and trade have all slowed down. Will people listen to General Essawi's appeal for co-operation?
