“The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, categorically rejects and condemns the French cartoons that dishonour the Prophet Mohammed. It also denounces a controversial anti-Islam film and any action that defames the sacred religions," Essam Al-Erian, the FJP's acting head and presidential adviser, told The Egyptian Gazette in an exclusive interview. FJP members also called the cartoons blasphemous and hurtful. They asked the French judiciary to take strict legal action against the magazine in question. Al-Erian said the French judiciary should deal with the issue as firmly as it did with the magazine that published topless photos of Britain's Duchess of Cambridge, the wife of Prince William. "If the case of Kate (the duchess) is a matter of privacy, then the mocking cartoons are an insult to millions of people in the Arab world and elsewhere. The beliefs of others must be respected," he said. Al-Erian also spoke out against any violent reaction but said peaceful protests were justified. The FJP called for firm and quick measures against the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, which published cartoons lampooning the Messenger of Allah on Wednesday. Al-Erian added that publishing these offensive cartoons just after the amateurish movie Innocence of Muslims caused extensive protests and violence would be seen as a continuation of provocations in Arab and Muslim countries. Meanwhile, Al-Erian denounced the assault on the US embassy in Cairo last week, when enraged protesters entered its ground and tore up the American flag. He added that according to international law the ground on which any embassy stood belonged to its respective country. Al-Erian confirmed that the FJP had called for peaceful demonstrations across Egypt on September 14 but not in the vicinity of the US embassy or Tahrir Square. "We did not change our decision to stage peaceful demonstrations. But we chose other places, removed from the American Embassy and Tahrir Square, to express our categorical rejection and condemnation of the American movie. Our party did not call for protests in the vicinity of the US Embassy. We are fully aware that the US administration and officials had nothing to do with producing or broadcasting the offensive film," Al-Erian said. "I regret to say that these protests do not support the Prophet and Islam. They spread chaos and anarchy throughout the country and send the message to the world that Egypt is not safe," he added. When asked about security in general, he said that the Ministry of Interior is exerting its utmost to restore security. The FJP's acting head commented on the late reaction of the police. Security forces arrived on the scene to safeguard the American Embassy a day before protests began, fearing deadly clashes. “There are remarkable improvements in the performance of the police since Hisham Qandeel's Cabinet took office, although the media still criticise the police for not doing enough to restore security in the streets. The police needs strong public support to overcome all problems since the January 25 Revolution. I think that emptying Tahrir Square of street sellers and thugs is a great achievement, and people are praising the police for it," he added. Al-Erian also mentioned the Egyptian-American ties and their future. “I think Egypt will face big challenges in building a new relationship with the US, based on mutual interests." Al-Erian denied that the government had any intention of resurrecting the emergency law. “There is no reason for this. Egypt just needs a law to restore discipline in the street and different state sectors". He went on to defend President's Morsi's programme during his first 100 days in office. “The media, some politicians and activists misinterpret Morsi's statements. The President vowed to focus on five major problems that people suffer from, such as fuel and bread shortages, traffic, rubbish and security. Morsi has already succeeded in solving some of these problems. He has to deal with a huge number of issues for which the former regime is responsible. How can he solve in 100 days what was created in 30 years of mismanagement." Concerning the Renaissance Project, Al-Erian said that some politicians and writers claimed that there was no such project. “I call on those with suspicions to review the project on the Internet. They will see that it is real but require a long period of time to bear fruit." "The Renaissance Project needs the concerted effort and co-ordination of the government and the people to be carried out properly," he added. As for the tourism sector, Al-Erian affirmed that it is in safe hands. President Morsi himself reassured tourists when he visited other countries. When in Upper Egypt he had his photo taken with tourists. "When Morsi visited China earlier this month, he persuaded the Chinese government to lift the travel ban on Egypt and support tourism.- Al-Erian also confirmed that President Mohamed Morsi would stay in office after the constitution was ratified. “Elections are not like a hobby that people practise on a daily basis. Our economy can't afford new elections. We need stability so we can aspire to build a better Egypt," he commented. Al-Erian criticised press reports claiming that the constitution was inconsistent with the findings and suggestions of the Constituent Assembly. "There are no hidden agendas. More than 20 prominent constitutional lawyers are working round the clock on the constitution. It will meet the expectations of all people and all strata of society," Al-Erian told this newspaper. "The new constitution will include an article on freedom of expression and the media," he promised. The popular referendum on the new constitution will take place in about a month and a half. Concerning the Freedom and Justice Party's configuration, Al-Erian said that the candidates would be chosen in a party conference later this month.
